Iridescent clouds up really close - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Iridescent Clouds: A Closer Look at their Enchanting Colors

Have you ever wondered about the mesmerizing colors displayed by iridescent clouds? These ethereal phenomena, often observed in the sky, captivate our imagination with their vibrant hues. But what exactly causes these captivating colors? In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of iridescent clouds and explore their enchanting beauty up close.

A Miniature Experiment: Steam from a Hot Cup of Coffee

To gain a better understanding of iridescent clouds, let's start by examining a simple yet fascinating experiment involving steam from a hot cup of coffee. Just like clouds in the sky, the steam from a hot beverage forms miniature clouds. However, the smaller scale of these clouds allows us to conduct experiments that would be challenging with their larger counterparts.

Unveiling the True Nature of Iridescent Cloud Colors

When closely observing iridescent clouds, we discover that their colors are not the smooth and continuous spectra they initially appear to be. Instead, individual droplets within these clouds diffract light, causing specific colors to be directed towards our eyes or cameras. This diffraction phenomenon gives rise to the stunning array of colors that we observe.

The Dance of Light: Individual Droplets and Their Spectral Show

While we cannot see the individual droplets themselves, as they are far too small, we can witness the light they emit. Each droplet of similar size within a small angular region diffracts the same color towards us. This fascinating display is akin to observing stars, where their tiny disks are also too minuscule for our eyes to discern.

Following Air Streamlines: The Journey of Droplets

As we explore iridescent clouds up close, we can witness the journey of individual droplets as they follow the air streamlines. Initially resembling stems, these droplets twist upwards, gradually unfurling and blossoming like aerial flowers. This intricate dance of droplets adds to the captivating allure of iridescent clouds.

Unlocking the Enchantment: A Video Journey

To truly immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of iridescent clouds, Michiel de Boer has provided us with a captivating video. Filmed using a Lumix GH4 camera with ultra-HD capabilities and fast shutter speeds of approximately 1/1000s, this video allows us to witness the mesmerizing colors of sunlit "steam" up close. Each frame reveals the intricate details and vibrant hues that make iridescent clouds so captivating.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Wonders of Iridescent Clouds

In conclusion, iridescent clouds continue to fascinate and bewitch us with their enchanting colors. By examining the diffraction of light within individual droplets, we gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant spectra displayed by these ethereal phenomena. The journey of droplets along air streamlines adds an element of grace and beauty to the spectacle. Thanks to the advancements in technology, we can now witness the intricacies of iridescent clouds up close through captivating videos such as the one shared by Michiel de Boer. Let us revel in the wonder and beauty of these atmospheric marvels that grace our skies.

Iridescent clouds..

..up really close

Michiel de Boer (site) videoed sunlit ‘steam’ from hot water using a Lumix GH4 camera. The video was in ‘ultra-HD’ with shutter speeds of ~1/1000s. These images are a few individual frames. See below for his entrancing video.

All images ©Michiel de Boer

Steam from a hot cup of coffee is just a mini cloud. It lets us do experiments that are not easy on the big ones in the sky.

Here we see directly that iridescent cloud colours are not the filmy continua they seem. Instead, individual droplets diffract light to send colours to the eye or camera.

Droplets of similar size in small (angular) regions each diffract the same colour towards us. Here we are privileged to see not the droplets – they are much too small – but their individual light. We see stars similarly even though their disks are much too small for our eyes to resolve them.

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Fractals of Nature (2014 music video)

Droplets follow air streamlines. First they are stems, they twist upwards to unfold and bloom as aerial flowers.

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