Iridescent, a.k.a. rainbow, clouds are a beautiful phenomenon often seen during the winter months. The rainbow forms as ice crystals in the cloud cause the light to be split, just like a prism would.

Fun Fact – The term iridescent comes from the Greek goddess, Iris, who was the personification of a rainbow.

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Teaching Science at Home

Want to learn more about iridescent clouds? Check out the following articles:

• Learn more about iridescent clouds from Atmosphere Optics.
• What causes rainbow colors in clouds?
• {Video} Incredible Iridescent Clouds from the Weather Channel

Related Homeschool Science Activities

Keep the learning going with these science activities!

• Clouds and Weather – Learn how to predict the weather by observing the clouds with this activity from the Homeschool Scientist.
• Make a Rainbow – Use a prism to make a rainbow on one of your walls. Then, let the students observe the different colors up close!