Arctic rainbow clouds capture skies across the high latitudes for days
Over three consecutive days, unusually vivid rainbow clouds appeared in Arctic skies, a phenomenon documented by Live Science. Reports describe a rare weather event that drew observers to the northern horizons and distant shores alike.
The optical spectacle included polar stratospheric rainbow clouds visible in parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Alaska, with sightings extending to Scotland. Observers noted the first appearances beginning on December 18 and continued reporting through December 20, with smaller, less defined clouds seen on December 21, according to Spaceweather com. The extended run meant a broad audience could witness the vivid colors and unusual formations as weather conditions shifted with the polar atmosphere.
Experts describe two principal varieties of rainbow clouds. One kind forms from a blend of ice crystals and nitric acid, a composition linked to processes that affect ozone layers. The other type consists of pure ice crystals, and these clouds tend to display the brighter color spectrum. December sightings are associated with the latter category, which tends to produce the most striking hues under the right lighting and temperature conditions.
The appearance of rainbow clouds is tied to exceptionally low temperatures in the stratosphere, sometimes plunging below minus eighty five degrees Celsius. Such frigid conditions may be influenced by climate trends tied to human activity as well as large scale patterns like El Niño. Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists note that moments of extreme cold in the polar stratosphere can set the stage for these colorful displays, and several specialists expect further occurrences in the coming months as conditions shift with seasonal cycles and global climate patterns.
In a separate note, biologists clarified a long standing myth about vampire squirrels pursuing deer, presenting evidence that challenges the legendary belief and highlighting how scientific inquiry reshapes our understanding of wildlife behavior. The discussion underscores the importance of rigor and observation in separating folklore from observable reality.
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