Atmospheric optics

[jack.h...@gmail.com]

This was probably part of the standard 22° halo but was slightly odd.  The sun at the time (30 minutes after sunset ) was 4° below horizon.

This patch of coloured light was to the left of where the sun was below the horizon.  The diameter of the light was perhaps 4°.

I have seen full haloes, sundogs and various other atmospheric optical phenomena but this one was unusual.

Colours in the photo have been enhanced for clarity but much as I saw them.

Jack

[Paul Knightley]

Jack…I believe you’ve caught a polar stratospheric cloud, or nacreous cloud…the lower stratosphere is very cold across the north of the UK just now…I’ve seen pics of them from the Highlands from this evening too…nice!