Natural Phenomenon

Nacreous Clouds

 Nacreous clouds also known as mother of pearl clouds 
Narecrous clouds are one of the rarest
clouds in earth’s atmosphere.
They form 13-19 miles up in the lower part of the stratosphere.

Despite nacreous clouds being very rare, they are extremely distinctive. The glow brightly with a variety of colours. 

Their iridescent nature giving them a 

similar  appearance to mother of pe

arl.

Nacreous clouds need a very low temperature of -780c

high in the atmosphere to form. Therefore, they are

most likely to form in winter.

Even so, they are still very rare over the UK. Sightings are more likely further north across Scandinavia and Northern Canada.

Nacreous clouds are most likely 

to be seen during twilight.

When the sun is 1-6 degrees


below the horizon, illuminating


the clouds high in the atmosphere


above.

Aside from needing a very low

temperature of 78C high in the

atmosphere.

Nacreous clouds form un the stratosphere, where 

there is very little moisture present.

Moisture, in liquid or frozen form, is  

essential for any type of cloud to  

form.