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

04 Aug

Maharashtra’s new security Bill

'The Maharashtra Legislature passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill or a ‘Bill to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Ex

Read More

04 Aug

New Project to curb rhino poaching through radioactive isotope injections

'Recently, South African scientists injected radioactive material into live rhinoceros horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing

Read More

04 Aug

National Sports Governance Bill

'Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. ' The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 draws from

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

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