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Ultra-Rare 'Fire Rainbow' Appears In Sky Over South Carolina

The super-rare mirage was spotted in the sky above the Isle of Palms

The 'fire rainbow' spotted in South Carolina. (Rex)
The 'fire rainbow' spotted in South Carolina. (Rex)


A stunning ‘fire rainbow’ amazed people in South Carolina, when it appeared overhead for an hour on Sunday.

The super-rare mirage was spotted in the sky above the Isle of Palms.

It was caused by iridescent clouds and occurs when a specific set of events happen simultaneously.

Justin Lock, a meteorologist, explained to 14 News how fire rainbows are only able to form in high-level cirrus clouds, which are made up of tiny ice crystals.

He said: “To produce the rainbow colours, the sun’s rays must enter the ice crystals at a precise angle, to give the prism effect of the colour spectrum.

Mr Lock added that the sun must be at least 58 degrees above the horizon. The technical term for fire rainbows is circumhorizontal arcs.

Something similar but less spectacular happens in colourful sunsets, where high-level cirrus clouds make multiple colours, due to the low angle of the sun.

The fire rainbow yesterday reportedly provided comfort to recently bereaved witnesses.