February 1, 2025
In a breathtaking celestial event, the skies over northern Sweden were graced by the rare and mesmerizing phenomenon of nacreous clouds, also known as mother-of-pearl clouds. Captured in a stunning photograph by Vojan Höfer on January 12, the vivid and iridescent waves of color painted the horizon, leaving onlookers in awe.
Nacreous clouds are a rare type of polar stratospheric cloud that form under extremely cold conditions in the lower stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere typically devoid of clouds. These clouds, composed of ice crystals, are illuminated by the Sun even when it lies just below the horizon, creating a dazzling display of diffracted light. At altitudes of 15 to 25 kilometers, the clouds catch the sunlight, producing a shimmering, rainbow-like effect that is both surreal and unforgettable.
The photograph, taken with the Sun positioned just below the local horizon, showcases the ethereal beauty of these clouds as they waft across the sky. Their iridescent hues, ranging from soft pinks and blues to vibrant greens and purples, are a result of sunlight being scattered by the tiny ice crystals within the clouds.
Nacreous clouds are not only a visual marvel but also a scientific curiosity. They are often associated with extremely low temperatures in the stratosphere, sometimes linked
