“The phenomenon seen in the video is a common occurrence in the atmosphere and is related to atmospheric optics,” said Ida Pramuwardani, an expert from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). This statement came after a stunning iridescent cloud appeared over Bogor, Indonesia, captivating residents and going viral on social media.
Last week, the residents of Jonggol were treated to an extraordinary sight: rainbow clouds shimmering in hues of pink, green, and blue. These iridescent clouds occur when sunlight diffracts off ice crystals within clouds—specifically in this case, a pileus cap formed atop a cumulonimbus cloud. The conditions had to be just right for this rare atmospheric phenomenon to manifest.
Such displays are fleeting; the colors can change rapidly and often disappear as quickly as they appear. This particular sighting ignited curiosity among locals who rushed to capture the moment on their phones. In recent years, similar clouds have been spotted in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore—each instance stirring excitement and wonder.
The BMKG confirmed that this stunning event was indeed natural and not some trick of the light or digital manipulation. Iridescent clouds have been documented since at least 1911 when artist Edward Wilson painted them in the Antarctic. They can sometimes be confused with nacreous clouds or coronae—but each phenomenon holds its unique charm.
Residents are reminded that while these sights are beautiful, they can also be dangerous to observe directly since iridescent clouds typically occur near where the sun appears. As people continue to share their awe online, it’s clear that nature still has the power to amaze—and inspire.
