A rare “rainbow cloud” phenomenon captivated residents in Indonesia last week, with videos and photos quickly spreading across social media. The unusual sight sparked widespread curiosity, as users debated whether it was a natural occurrence, a symbol of good fortune, or something more mysterious.

The iridescent clouds were seen over parts of Bekasi and Bogor, including Jonggol, where footage showed patches of sky glowing in shades of pink, green and blue. The clips drew millions of views, with many describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly.”

However, not everyone was convinced. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the visuals, while others speculated about alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories. The authenticity of the viral videos could not be independently verified.

According to local reports, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the phenomenon is both real and natural. Officials explained that it is linked to atmospheric optics.

The vibrant colours are caused by cloud iridescence—often referred to as “rainbow clouds” or “fire rainbows.” This occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, evenly sized water droplets or ice crystals in thin clouds, bending and separating light into different colours to create a shimmering effect.

Online, the videos attracted significant engagement, generating tens of thousands of views and thousands of reactions. Many users praised the striking visuals, while others remained skeptical or offered alternative interpretations of the phenomenon.

Source NDTV