Readers shared their photos of the nacreous clouds above Aberdeenshire on Wednesday. Image: Kay Robb.
Residents across the North of Scotland were stunned to see a rainbow cloud hanging above the sky on Wednesday evening.
First seen in Aberdeen yesterday, the iridescent cloud has been making its way northwards.
Now reports of the cloud are reaching as far as Dingwall.
Daniel Ostry shared this dramatic photo of the nacreous clouds above Aberdeenshire on Wednesday. Image: Daniel Ostry/Facebook.
They are known as nacreous clouds and are famous for their signature vivid colours.
A number of readers stopped to take in the scene, sharing their photos and the Press & Journal have put together a gallery to showcase the best snaps.
The rainbow-coloured clouds were seen sailing over Dingwall tonight. Image: Joanna Higgs/ Facebook.
The rare clouds have been making their way northwards. Image: Joanna Higgs/ Facebook.
What causes nacreous clouds?
The clouds have a rainbow-like appearance because they reflect a thin layer of oil on top of water, a phenomenon known as iridescence.
Readers shared their photos of the nacreous clouds above Aberdeenshire on Wednesday. Image: Alison Kendal/Facebook.
The clouds are said to appear alongside very cold and often dry weather.
Michaela Kynoch spotted the nacreous clouds in the sky on Wednesday night. Image: Michaela Kynoch/Facebook.
According to the Met Office, they are “very rare and high” formations which only tend to form over polar regions when the sun is just below the horizon.
Nacreous cloud photos
Susan Byers shared this photo her husband took from a boat near South Harbour. Image: Susan Byers/Facebook.
The forecaster said: “The ice particles that form nacreous clouds are much smaller than those that form more common clouds.
Readers shared their photos of the nacreous clouds above Aberdeenshire on Wednesday. Image: Gemma Louise Hibbs/Facebook.
“These smaller particles scatter light in a different way, which is what creates the distinctive luminescent appearance.
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Your stunning photos of the rare rainbow cloud sailing over Scotland’s north
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