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Rainbow clouds: Rare phenomenon graces Northern Ireland skies

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Rainbow clouds in WarrenpointImage source, J R Photography
Image caption,

Because of the height and temperature needed this cloud is also known as polar stratospheric cloud - here's one pictured over Warrenpoint, County Down

Rare nacreous clouds have been photographed over Northern Ireland on Thursday morning.

Typically seen at high altitudes closer to the poles, they are a meteorological rarity in Irish skies.

Also known as 'mother of pearl' their occurrence requires specific conditions, namely extremely low temperatures in the upper atmosphere.

Forming in air around -80C, ice crystals reflect the sun, giving the cloud pearly colours.

Some lucky individuals captured the celestial spectacle, taking to social media platforms to showcase the event.

Image source, J R Photography
Image caption,

They normally form between 12-19 miles (19-31km) high, far above our normal clouds, as seen here in Warrenpoint

Image source, J R Photography
Image caption,

The rare formation is also known as mother of pearl

Image source, StephMT86
Image caption,

The celestial delight was snapped in Newry

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