06/28/2015 10:23 AM EDT
Rainbows are a fan favorite in Yosemite National Park, commonly seen along the park’s flowing waterfalls on sunny days. Halos and coronas around the sun or moon are also a typical sight. Recently, a lucky visitor was able to spot and capture this rare occurrence –cloud iridescence – over Glacier Point. This optical phenomenon is caused when sunlight diffracts off tiny ice crystals or water droplets and creates a rainbow effect. Iridescent clouds typically occur in late afternoons in hot and humid weather, so keep your eye out!