Iridescent Clouds Above Calgary, Canada

Photographer: Alan Clark  
Summary Author: Alan Clark   

Shown above is striking iridescence in transient lenticular lee-wave clouds downwind of the Rocky Mountains, as observed from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The metallic colors are caused by diffraction of sunlight by the similarly-sized water droplets that compose mid-level clouds. This type of cloud, called Chinook clouds here in Western Canada, very often develop into a thick cloud cover that extends across the entire sky, blotting out the Sun for most of the day. It also signals the arrival of welcome warm air, especially in winter. Photo taken on December 10, 2023.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Coordinates: 51.106, -114.15

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