Australia Residents Snapped Photos Of A Rare, Rainbow-Filled Cloud Phenomenon

November 12, 2014

Residents of Wonthaggi, Australia, were taken off guard after seeing a rare phenomenon in the sky.

rainbow cloud
Credit: LEESA WILLMOTT, AP

This is a "hole punch" cloud, also known as a fallstreak hole cloud.

According to National Geographic, "Clouds are made of water droplets, and hole punch clouds occur when part of that cloud falls out, leaving behind a hole. That opening in the cloud is the result of an extremely localized snowfall."

rainbow holepunch cloug
Jose Morales

The refraction of sunlight by the snow's ice crystals results in the rainbow.

Pretty cool, huh?


feel good videoDogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesThis Flamingo Leg Cover Is Helping Amputees Stand Out in the Best Way

feel good storiesInterac Payouts vs. Bank Wire Transfers: Which Serves Canadian Casino Players Faster

feel good storiesThis 500-Piece Puzzle Has a Hilarious Secret That Only Appears When You Finish It

feel good storiesDog's Bark Brings Curious Cows to a Halt, Creating the Cutest Photo You'll See Today

feel good videoHe Only Adopts the Dogs No One Else Wants

feel good videoThese Firefighter Donkeys are Helping Prevent Wildfires in Spain

feel good videoFor 15 Years This Horse Took The Same Solo Walk Through Town

feel good videoWatch This 16-Year-Old Lifeguard Refuse to Give Up

feel good videoJimothy the Raccoon Does Jim-Nastics - Plus Baby Footage!