Rare cloud iridescence spotted over Outer Banks last two days

Cloud iridescence over the Outer Banks on June 30, 2020. [photo courtesy Denine and John Phillips]

A rare phenomenon has been spotted each of the last two days in the skies of eastern North Carolina.

Known as cloud iridescence, it is a relatively rare occurrence, according to WCNC-TV NBC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich.

“The cloud must be thin and have lots of water droplets or ice crystals all about the same size,” said Panovich, who also noted one was spotted over Charlotte on Monday.

The iridescence was visible from a variety of locations in the region looking east-southeast between 11 a.m. and noon.

@dioptrica on Twitter said they spotted the same cloud over Beaufort along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina on Tuesday.

View of the cloud iridescence from Point Harbor. [photo courtesy Skyla Gibbs]

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Sam Walker was news director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, Big 94.5 WCMS and Z 92.3 from August 2011 to March 2022.