rainbow cloud

[ricardelico]

I took this picture in Guadalajara in the summer of 2003. What would the correct scientific name be for this phenomenon?

[geckzilla]

Someone will correct me later if I'm wrong, but I think they are nacreous clouds. Your photo is interesting because it's not quite sunset. You just happen to be able to see them because the fat raincloud blocks the sun for you.

[bystander]

I would have guessed Iridescent Clouds.

[geckzilla]

I knew someone would come along. I didn't even realize there were two different kinds. I just remembered seeing at least one at that site. But they look about the same... really. I'm not even sure why they're classified as two different things other than that one is at a different altitude. Different cloud type, same nacreous effect?

[ricardelico]

Thanks!