Solsticial scupperings

I had been hoping to take some photos around the Summer solstice, not least because of the possible alignment discussed in a previous blogpost. However, the sunsets of late have featured rather more cloud than was helpful.

Yesterday evening, just before sunset, I noticed an ephemeral sky feature about 30 degrees above the sun. A small cloud was exhibiting colours way beyond what is normally expected of a bland conglomeration of water droplets.

For once, I was able to capture an image of the colours that actually did the cloud justice and, after checking a couple of books on sky phenomena, concluded that it was an iridescence.

So there you have it, pink and green pastel shades, it's what the discerning cloud about town is wearing these days.