Discussions (15)

Need your advise, please

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Ups & Backs says:

Dear Dale,
I hope I may drop you here a request of advise.
I've photographed this sort of cloud formation, in the early morning
but I had never seen something like that. There were some air trails in the sky
and I dunno if they might have interfered in its shape.
The cloud appeared very big, made of a sort of fluffy paint strokes, all tight
and displayed horizontally.
The formation was moving at the wind, slightly changing colour and shape
(eventually I took few more shots).
Could you, please, advise, if this formation has a defined name and how it could
have formed, considering the myriad of tiny and tight horizontal stripes?
Thanks so much for your help, fond regards
Strangest cloud formation I've ever seen. Zoom in for details.
Originally posted at 12:59AM, 11 March 2025 PDT (permalink)
Ups & Backs edited this topic 15 months ago.

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Ups & Backs says:

Thank you in advance
15 months ago (permalink)

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::ErWin says:

It could be a cloud that forms in foehn weather conditions.

www.hikr.org/gallery/photo66328.html
15 months ago (permalink)

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Ups & Backs says:

::ErWin:
grazie Erwin, in effetti la foto è in zona Pre-Alpi. È stata una visione grandiosa.
15 months ago (permalink)

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NebraskaSC is a group administrator NebraskaSC says:

I totally apologize for not getting back to you sooner...

These are called iridescent clouds...

Iridescent clouds, also known as iridescent or mother-of-pearl clouds, are rare atmospheric phenomena where thin, high-altitude clouds, typically cirrus or altocumulus, display vibrant, rainbow-like colors. This effect occurs due to the diffraction of sunlight by tiny water droplets or ice crystals within the clouds, which scatters light into delicate, shimmering hues like pink, green, blue, or purple. These clouds often appear near the sun or moon and are most visible during twilight or in polar regions, particularly in nacreous (polar stratospheric) clouds, which form in the stratosphere at altitudes of 15–25 km. The iridescence is caused by the uniform size of the droplets or crystals, creating interference patterns that produce the colorful display.

I am a geek..... And I love clouds. I have no degree in this but I have studied them for over 30 years.
11 months ago (permalink)

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Ups & Backs says:

Thank you Dale !
It was huge and very close to the sun but I saw it by the sunrise.
The location was in an area close to the Pre-Alps (Small Dolomites).
I added the link to your very accurate description in a comment box of my photo ;+)
11 months ago (permalink)

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