Pearl clouds phenomenon appeared in the sky across the UK
A weirdest optical phenomenon brought magic and enchantment to the British people when nacreous clouds, known as "mother pearl clouds", appeared in the sky across England.
People captured these beautiful moments and posted them on social media, captivating online users from many countries.
Nacreous clouds usually only appear in polar regions and near-polar regions, such as Norway, when the sun is only a very small distance from the horizon.
However, this time, British people had the opportunity to witness the appearance of nacreous clouds in the sky from the north to the south of the country.
What is Nacreous Clouds?
Nacreous clouds, also known as mother-of-pearl clouds, are a rare and distinctive type of cloud in the atmospheric system, which are formed in the upper atmosphere about 15 to 25 km (9 to 16 miles) high.
Remarkably, they are made up of small ice particles, usually only about 10 to 15 micrometers in size (a micrometer is one-millionth of a meter).
Thanks to the small size, sunlight can reflect and cause their unique sparkles and colors.
Nacreous clouds often come in vibrant colors, ranging from blue and purple tones to yellow, orange, and red tones. This color is created by the complex interaction between sunlight and ice particles in the clouds.
Although they are a surprising and beautiful natural phenomenon, they only appear under certain special conditions, such as when there is the right combination of altitude, temperature, and humidity.
The Nacreous Clouds phenomenon has gone viral on social media
Many Britons have posted their beautiful photos of nacreous clouds on social networks and expressed their delight at the interesting optical phenomenon.
A great display of ‘Mother of Pearl’ clouds (Nacreous Clouds) over NEW England this morning, one user posted.
Iridescent nacreous clouds over Leeds! Very rare and usually only seen in polar regions, another wrote.
Nacreous clouds over the Thames Estuary, Southend-on-Sea. Can't say I've ever seen such an incredible natural occurrence in the 37 years I've been on this planet, someone exclaimed.
'The weirdest optical phenomenon I've ever seen - absolutely amazing nacreous clouds here from Kent!' Another wrote.
