Nacreous clouds are known to develop in extremely cold air above the polar region, and are mostly seen over Scandinavia, northern Canada and northern Russia.
On the evening of the solstice Yorkshire’s residents were transfixed by the stunning rainbow colours cast over clouds as they took out their phones to capture the phenomena.
The rare clouds occur when smaller ice particles form, which help to scatter the coloured light reflected from the sun and create the radiant spectacle.
According to the Met Office they are mostly seen before and after sunset and were last seen over Scotland in January.
Take a look at these spectacular images taken by people walking their dogs and coming home from work during sunset on Thursday, December 21.
9. Karen Devonport, Cattersty Sands.
Karen Devonport took these while walking dogs on the beach at Cattersty Sands in Skinningrove. Photo: Karen Devonport
10. Pauline Taylor, Whitby
Pauline Taylor took this spectacular shot over Whitby. Photo: Pauline Taylor
11. DJ Orton, Whitby
DJ Orton took this shot of the sky illuminated from a carpark in Whitby. Photo: DJ Orton
