Glowing 'mother of pearl' clouds color Scotland's skies

Strange Sounds
Sat, 30 Jan 2016 23:54 UTC

These glowing polar stratospheric clouds were spotted floating over the UK on January 29, 2016.

That's the second sighting in two days after those spotted over Murmansk on Wednesday morning.

© Martin via Meteo Europe

These nacreous clouds were captured from Aberdeen to Stoneheaven, Scotland, UK by lucky stargazers.

The mother-of-pearl clouds appeared in the sky before sunrise and were highly glowing and reflective.

© Paul via Meteo Europe

Polar stratospheric clouds form in the winter polar stratosphere between altitudes of 15000-25000 meters.

© Martin via Meteo Europe

They are best observed during twilight and form at very low temperatures, below -78°C.

© Lindsay via Biserka Anderson

And here some more from Twitter:

Polar stratospheric clouds also known as #nacreous clouds amazing what you see out your window in the morning pic.twitter.com/QWUQliU0Gy— Glen J Beaton (@wickfisher) January 29, 2016

Polar Stratospheric Clouds observed as skies cleared in between bands of showers. Looking S from near #Aberdeen pic.twitter.com/UGOzUmsEPI— Stephane Gentile (@FrenchScotPilot) January 29, 2016

So intense. They are also called nacreous clouds in relation to the colours seen on the inside of an oyster shell.

Comment: Nacreous clouds have tiny ice crystals in that light up with iridescent color with they are hit with light from the rising or setting sun. Absolutely beautiful!