The High Tatras attract tourists year-round to their majestic peaks and breathtaking views. However, when the tourist Lenka went to the iconic Rysy, she had no idea that nature had prepared a show for her that was beyond all standards. Instead of a traditional panorama, something magical spread over her head.
She saw with her own eyes a rare iridescence of clouds that turned the sky into a pearly work of art. The photo of the celestial theater appeared on the This is SLOVAKIA profile and received thousands of likes and hearts from fans on Facebook and Instagram. You can admire the shot in the PHOTO gallery.
“A fascinating natural phenomenon appeared above the High Tatras – the iridescence of clouds. A tourist caught it during the trip from Rysy. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight refracts on tiny ice crystals or water droplets in clouds, creating beautiful colorful reflections in the sky,” explained the site’s admin.
The breathtaking celestial theater not only impressed Lenka, but also the followers on social networks. Some just marveled at the beautiful scene and others shared their own experiences. “I caught it in Ksamil (Albania) a week ago,” wrote Peter.
“I’ve seen it several times. It’s always an experience,” Martina boasted. Beata saw this natural phenomenon in the Austrian Alps, Andrea in Germany and Ivanka in Italy.
An expert from SHMÚ explained more about this phenomenon to Koktejl.sk. „Iridescence is a variable coloring of translucent parts of clouds, most often their edges, with green and pink colors predominating. It is a bending phenomenon observed mainly up to an angular distance of 10° from the Sun, i.e. close to it.” explained Pavel Faško.
“The sun’s rays pass through tiny water droplets or ice crystals, bending the light. It is most pronounced with water drops or ice crystals of approximately the same size“, he added.
He also told us what conditions must exist for people to have the best chance of seeing this phenomenon with their own eyes. “Suitable clouds are altocumulus and cirrus. So, in favorable weather, when the Sun is shining and there are also clouds of this type, this phenomenon can be successfully observed.” stated.
