Iridescent Cloud

The cold nor’wester blowing over the mountains was forming long lenticular clouds, which I was trying to fit into the frame, when I glanced up to the side of the sun and saw this associated iridescent cloud. For the colours to form the water droplets need to be the same size, rather than variable. The conditions that promote lenticular clouds don’t give the drops time to change. Shooting so close to the sun was tricky, but I was able to hide behind a very dark towel hanging on the washing line.

The colours in the photos look a bit blobby, but this was not the case in real life. They were pure and clear, and ever changing. It was the most beautiful sight.