Amazing sight

Change of plan ..... my abstract has moved to the Extras .... thanks to Ingeborg for hosting :-) ( For some reason it won't upload so no abstract)

I was closing the curtains when I noticed this amazing sight!

Grabbed the camera & braved the howling gale .... only went just outside the front door so I didn't get blown over!

One of the highest clouds in our atmosphere, they are often referred to as "mother-of-pearl", and are rarely spotted in the UK because of the exceptional conditions needed.
Nacreous cloud form in very cold conditions over polar regions and within the stratosphere, around 12-19 miles (19-31km) high, far above our normal clouds.
Occasionally cold polar air, locked in place by strong winds high up in the atmosphere - called the polar vortex - weakens and allows this colder air to sink south to our latitude.
Formed in air that is around -80C, tiny ice crystals refract sunlight, giving the cloud pearly colours - the reason why it is also called mother-of-pearl.
Nacreous clouds are mostly seen a couple of hours either side of sunset or sunrise and, being so high, they are still lit by sunlight which makes them appear even brighter in our evening sky.
Because of the height and temperature needed this cloud is also known as Polar Stratospheric Cloud.

The wind has been raging outside most of the night & all day! It has been mainly dry though .... just a few odd showers so that's a plus.

Stay safe everyone :-)