The Red Lions are always a highlight of every National Day Parade (NDP) and preview, but this time a natural occurrence made it even more enchanting.
During the NDP preview on Saturday (3 Aug), “Paddle Pop” clouds were seen in the sky during the Red Lions display.
Source: Koh See Tien on Facebook
An MS News reader who was at Gardens By The Bay said the “Paddle Pop” clouds could be seen in the background during the Red Lions segment at about 6.15pm.
Other photos of the beautiful sight were shared in various online posts, including in the CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore Facebook group.
Some of them were taken by attendees of the second NDP preview at the Padang, where the multicoloured clouds formed a pretty backdrop.
The phenomenon was most striking, however, when set against the Red Lions display.
Source: Bing Xiu on Facebook
At a time when all eyes would be on the skies, audiences at the Padang and elsewhere were treated not only to the majestic parachutists but the stunning pastel shades beyond.
Source: Koh See Tien on Facebook
It was as if even the heavens were wishing Singapore a happy upcoming 59th birthday.
Source: June Yeo on Facebook
Another photographer caught the rainbow clouds at the same time that fighter jets flew past as part of the aerial display.
Source: Sherman Ong Eng Keang on Facebook
The “Paddle Pop” clouds were not restricted to the downtown area, either.
Source: Lim Chin Kee on Facebook
From the images shared, people in Redhill, MacPherson, Tampines and Pasir Ris also saw them.
Source: Roy Chiang on Facebook
In addition, some netizens caught sight of a rainbow, too.
Source: Nang Theingi on Facebook
A lucky photographer was even able to snap the rainbow behind the flag flypast.
Source: Jessie Hoon on Facebook
The “Paddle Pop” skies phenomenon, known as cloud iridescence, is named for the ice cream popsicle known for having similarly whimsical colours.
Source: Happy Ice
According to EarthSky, this is caused by tiny ice crystals or water droplets in the air that diffract the light, creating the rainbow-like effect.
Iridescent clouds are not to be confused with circumhorizon arcs. In the latter, the colours are similar but are neatly organised in a band with red on top and violet at the bottom.
This latest sighting of cloud iridescence in Singapore came at an auspicious time indeed. The last time it was reported here was about two months ago in June.
Also read: Rainbow clouds in Paddle Pop hue spotted in Sengkang sky on 4 June
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Featured image adapted from June Yeo on Facebook and Koh See Tien on Facebook.
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