Rainbow cloud? A Florida woman spotted one during a trip to Disney

Woman spots rainbow cloud during trip to Disney

Denise Aviles told FOX 35 News she was visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orange County Wednesday evening when she spotted a gorgeous rainbow in the clouds.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - What a beautiful sight to see!

Denise Aviles told FOX 35 News she was visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orange County Wednesday evening when she spotted a gorgeous rainbow in the clouds. She saw it in the sky around 6:30 p.m. 

MORE: Florida woman spots 'fire rainbow' in sky

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said a rainbow cloud can happen because of something called cloud iridescence. "It usually happens in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular and cirrus clouds. Iridescent clouds happen because of diffraction – a phenomenon that occurs when small water droplets or small ice crystals scatter the sun's light," officials said.

STORY: Stunning photo of clouds that look like crashing ocean waves goes viral

Cloud iridescence is rare. Weather officials say it is a phenomenon that happens when small water droplets or small ice crystals scatter the sun's light.