Sign In
Learn bits
World Affairs, Geography
Mahesh

05/09/22 06:18 AM IST

Rare rainbow cloud in China stuns residents and netizens

In News 
  • Recently,pictures of an unusually-shaped rainbow cloud that appeared over China were widely shared on social media.
  • The cloud in question resembles a pileus cloud.
Pileus Cloud 
  • A pileus cloud is usually formed over a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud.
  • It is formed when the base cloud pushes a moist current of air upwards and the water vapour from the current condenses to somewhat resemble wave-like crests, or umbrellas.
  • In popular western culture, it is called as an “accessory cloud” that is “rather like a cloud haircut”.
  • A pileus cloud is transient in nature and lasts barely for a few minutes, making it difficult, and at the same time, exciting, to spot.
Cloud iridescence
  • Cloud iridescence or Irisation is an optical phenomenon that mostly occurs in wave-like clouds, including pileus and Altocumulus lenticularis.
  • Iridescence in clouds means the appearance of colours on clouds, which can either be in the form of parallel bands like in a rainbow, or mingled in patches.
  • In ancient Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of rainbow. “Irisation”, the phenomenon of rainbow-like colours in clouds, is derived from her name.
  • Iridescence of clouds is a photometeor.
  • It is an optical phenomenon produced by the reflection, refraction, diffraction or interference of sunlight.
Source- Indian Express 

More Related Current Affairs View All

15 Nov

Government issues guidelines to curb misleading ads by coaching centres

'The central Government issued new guidelines aimed at curbing misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, specifically prohibiting false promises such as "100 per cent selec

Read More

15 Nov

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

'Every year on November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle.' 5th November

Read More

15 Nov

Supreme Court’s order on mandatory accessibility standards

'A bench of the Supreme Court last week ordered the Union government to frame mandatory rules for ensuring the accessibility of public places and services to persons with disabilit

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps