News

Rainbow Cloud & Solar Eclipse Appear Over Hanoi’s Skies, Stunning Shutter-Happy Hanoians

Fascinating rainbow cloud and solar eclipse appear in Hanoi


 It seems Mother Nature has been kind to Vietnam of late, as just within the past few weeks, we Vietnamese have had the chance to marvel at several of her wonderful creations.

Earlier this June, a cloud shaped like Vietnam had many netizens in awe, and last week, photos of a rainbow halo around the sun were all the rage on the Internet. Then last Saturday, Hanoians who went out for a late afternoon stroll were delighted to see a rainbow cloud brightening up the horizon.


Netizens share their own shots of the rainbow cloud


The rainbow cloud appeared in Hanoi at around 6PM last Saturday, and the moderators at the popular forum Facebook forum Beatvn wasted no time to notify their followers of the fact. In a photo shared on their wall, we can see a white cloud streaked with hints of yellow, green, blue, and purple decorating the horizon over a busy street.


Image adapted from Beatvn

Of course, they weren’t the only ones who got to witness the fascinating event. Countless others also flocked to various online forums to share their own shots.

In this picture shared by netizen Bích Mai Thị Nguyễn, which she said was taken by one of her friends, the cloud can be seen weaving through the darkening sky, cleaving it in two. The streaks of color are much more visible here as well.


Image credit: Bích Mai Thị Nguyễn

Another picture from Facebook user Duy Nè shows the cloud looming over Hanoi’s skyscrapers.


Image credit: Duy Nè

On the other hand, Maurice Nash, an expat living in the city, took a close-up shot of the cloud hanging just above a lamppost and an electricity pole. His shot has earned the praise of many commenters, who say that it looks just like a painting.


Image credit: Maurice Nash

According to National Geographic, this phenomenon is officially known as an iridescent cloud – a name originating from Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows. Caused by sunlight diffracting off water droplets in the cloud, it can often be seen in the late afternoon on hot and humid days, which, of course, Hanoi has no shortage of ever since summer hit.


A solar eclipse could also be seen in Hanoi yesterday


Yesterday, despite the burning heatwave, countless Hanoians were still eager to forgo the comfort of their AC rooms to hit the streets with cameras and sunglasses at the ready, hoping to catch a glimpse at the solar eclipse occurring early in the afternoon.

The eclipse could be seen in many cities in Vietnam, but it was most spectacular in the capital city, where 71% of the sun was covered. While our average phone cameras weren’t able to capture the event, some people have managed to snatch a few shots with the proper equipment.


Image credit: Phan Chuyên

This picture from netizen Phan Chuyên, for instance, clearly shows the sun being partially obscured by the moon, leaving only a crescent shape on the sky.


Spectacular natural phenomena in Vietnam


Phenomena such as the Vietnam-shaped cloud previously seen in Hanoi and this iridescent cloud have fascinated Vietnamese netizens, and many believe that they are good omens signaling a bright future for Vietnam as a nation.

Indeed, the country’s reputation in the international scene has witnessed a major spike since the beginning of the year thanks to its outstanding performance in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more stories, check out:


Cover image adapted from Bích Mai Thị Nguyễn and Duy Nè

Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories like this.

Toan Ngo

Recent Posts

6 Things To Do In Saigon In February 2023: Anime Convention, Silk Painting Exhibition, & A Woodcut Workshop

Now that Tết is over, Saigon is now a bustling hub of activity once again.…

February 3, 2023

9 Things To Do In Hanoi For Tết 2023 – Fireworks, Flower Shopping, And Traditional Festivals

If you're in Hanoi this Tết, here are some activities you can look into to…

January 17, 2023

6 Gorgeous Vietnamese Calendars for 2023: From Dancing Cats, Trippy Cyberpunk To Giant Towels

Vietnamese Calendars for 2023 - made with love by local craftsmen Now that the new…

January 13, 2023

Mầm Coffee Tea Beer, Saigon: Country-Style Cafe With Nostalgic Decor And Flowing River

Mầm coffee tea beer is a perfect getaway for those who are tired of the…

January 5, 2023

Ante Café – An European-Style Café In Da Nang For A Cozy Drink & Photo Session With Friends

With a chic decor featuring wooden floors, raw brick walls, and European-style furniture, Ante Cafe…

January 4, 2023

9 Things To Do In Saigon – From Visiting A Floating Temple To Munching On Local Comfort Food

Saigon features some of the best of what Vietnam has to offer. If you're at…

January 4, 2023