People across Scotland were treated to a strange rainbow-coloured cloud in the sky on Sunday, prompting some to calling it "alien".
Scots around the country were quick to snap a picture of the unusual-looking formation in the evening, and many were unsure what it was. The unique cloud has an iridescent appearance, and includes a number of different colours.
People spotted the rare phenomena in several locations across the northeast of Scotland and the Highlands last night, including Moray, Montrose, Aviemore, Aberlour, Turriff and Carrbridge.
Among the people lucky enough to capture the cloud in a photo was Dan Chilton, who then posted his stunning picture on Facebook. Writing on the Scotland from the Roadside group, he said: "Strange iridescent cloud over Moray this evening. The zoomed in iPhone camera doesn’t do it justice."
Before long, the post had received a staggering 1,500 likes, as well as more than 130 comments. Fellow were keen to share their experiences spotting the cloud last night, as well as sharing their thoughts on the photo.
"Took the same photo from carrbridge. Awesome to see," one said, while a second wrote: "Here above Culbokie right now. Looking towards the East."
"Wow, breathtaking indeed," third said, while another wrote: "Spotted in Aberdeen seven years ago to the day. Spooky."
"Aliens," one person simply said, while another echoed: "I don't care what anyone says, we are not alone."
Meanwhile, a fifth joked: "Superman coming for interview with Aberdeen FC."
Another commented: "What an experience, to see such a wonder with your own eyes! Thanks for sharing it with me."
In reality, what was seen above Scotland on Sunday night was in fact a rare Nacreous cloud. Also known as mother-of-pearl clouds, they are brightly coloured and resemble a thin layer of oil on top of water.
Nacreous clouds require extremely low temperatures to form, and are therefore only found high up in the atmosphere. The bright colours are caused by the ice particles that form the clouds scattering light in a different way than regular clouds.
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