Natural oddities paint the sky

Circumhorizon Arc

Entangled

Iridescent Clouds

Rare phenomena, known as iridescent clouds, appear when sunlight strikes thin clouds in just the right way. Not everyone agrees on the names and definitions for these celestial happenings, and an assortment of terms label them like “fire rainbow” and “circumhorizontal arc.” Whatever you wish to call them, one thing stands true: Photographing them is worth it.

Taken by Flickr members Irargerich, truan, and justavessel, these sky snapshots capture clouds as they radiate a full spectrum of colors in the form of long streaks and faint wisps.

See more photos of cloud iridescence from Flickr members worldwide.