Apocalyptic-looking clouds spark 'end-of-times' fears

Iridescent cloud - rare weather phenomenon seen over Costa Rica (Imgur/Cronos310)

Mysterious, luminous clouds were spotted in Costa Rica on the country's Independence Day.

The iridescent cloud had a halo of vivid colours caused by the sun's light being refracted by small water droplets or ice crystals.

A photo posted by MarceloCh (@morales2chelo_) on Sep 15, 2015 at 2:45pm PDT

The rare phenomenon was seen from many cities around the country, including Escazu, San Jose, Parrita, Pavas, and Hatillo.

#arcoiris, nadelgadoa http://t.co/bZldcfeWkM pic.twitter.com/JGBwVMM5qb

— Rainbowgram (@rainbowgram_WP) September 15, 2015

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One bystander who described the event as being "like the end of times," videoed the captivating clouds in Ezcazu in central Costa Rica, saying: "I've never seen anything like this... It's like a sign of God."

A photo posted by @kevinotway on Sep 16, 2015 at 1:09pm PDT

The dramatic clouds appeared as Costa Rica along with other Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua were celebrating the 194th anniversary of their independence.