Ukrainian polar researchers working near the Akademik Vernadsky station spotted the iridescence of cirrus clouds in the skies above Galindez Island, as reported via Facebook according to Ukrinform.
The rare atmospheric display resembled a giant soap bubble drifting through the polar air. Researchers explained the mechanics behind the shimmering colors.
It looks like an irregular patch of color in the sky, as if a giant soap bubble were floating there. This optical effect occurs when sunlight bends around tiny obstacles and passes behind them (diffraction), after which the light waves overlap, creating shimmering colors (interference),
Ukrainian polar researchers, National Antarctic Scientific Center
High-altitude cirrus formations in polar regions typically occur at altitudes between four and six kilometers, where temperatures reach -20°C or lower. Because these ice crystal clouds are thin and transparent, the light display remains clearly visible to observers on the ground. Ukrinform noted that Ukrainian polar scientists also registered a record October air temperature of +11.1°C near the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic station, marking the highest figure recorded throughout the observation period.
Previously, the high-temperature mark for October reached +7.9°C back in 1968. A protected area has been established in Antarctica near the Akademik Vernadsky station, and scientists previously observed a rare red aurora alongside the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, captured by polar explorer Serhiy Yakushchenko on Galindez Island in West Antarctica.
A Weddell seal pup named Salvator, meaning savior in Latin, was born nearby and nicknamed Sal or Sally following a naming contest won by Oleksandra Kasai.
Scientists note that iridescence differs significantly from other atmospheric optical effects such as coronas and halos. While halos and coronas feature a clearly defined circular shape and are arranged symmetrically around the light source although their radii may vary, iridescence follows the organic contours of the cloud itself.
The appearance of the color shifts depends on the size, shape, and distribution of the ice crystals, which make up most of the structure. The National Antarctic Scientific Center noted that similar effects also appear on lower- and mid-level clouds under specific conditions.
Incidentally, this phenomenon is more commonly observed in low- and mid-level clouds, but only along their edges. This is because such clouds are opaque but have transparent edges,
National Antarctic Scientific Center
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