Iridescent Bands

Iridescent bands following the cloud outline Iridescent bands in thin cloud

This image shows how the colour bands in iridescent cloud can follow the contours of the cloud. The metallic colouring is very striking to the properly protected eye.

The cloud patterns can change very quickly, which is not surprising because the best iridescence occurs in very thin cloud. Careful shielding is essential with anything this close to the sun.

Straight iridescent bands at corona edge

When the droplet sizes vary evenly across a cloud the normally circular rings of the corona can be changed into bands. The sort of clouds that give good coronas have a distinctive smooth appearance, the rippling is also quite a common feature.


Never look directly at the sun !   Shield the sun and use proper eye protection against the glare.

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