The Hong Kong Observatory recently uploaded photos taken by netizens of a phenomenon titled "Auroras in Hong Kong?!" on their Facebook page. The photos were taken from Shek Tong Tsui between 6:20 pm and 6:33 pm on September 11.
The Observatory noted, "Cloud with rainbow colours is called 'iridescent cloud'. It is a special optical phenomenon usually observed in altostratus or altocumulus clouds near the Sun when sunlight diffracts through tiny water droplets or ice crystals of fairly uniform size in clouds. When diffraction of light occurs in a larger layer of cloud, corona may appear."
The Observatory also specifically reminded viewers, "As iridescent clouds often appear near the Sun, one should avoid direct sunlight to protect the eyes. This will also be easier to identify the iridescent cloud."
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