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 videoStray Dog Becomes the Star of a Wrestling Match

feel good storiesTwo Cats Sitting Under an Umbrella Have the Internet Asking One Very Important Question

feel good stories7-Year-Old Boy Sends Birthday Card to His Dad in Heaven

feel good videoPhotographer Captures Dogs “Flying” Through the Air, and the Photos Are Pure Joy

feel good videoHero Chick-fil-A Employee Saves Woman and Baby

feel good videoDad Goes Viral for Dancing at Olivia Rodrigo Concert With His Daughters

feel good videoHomecoming King Surprises Everyone by Giving His Crown to the Runner-Up

feel good videoFisherman Gives Crabs a Spa Day Before Releasing Them Back Into the Ocean