HICKORY, N.C. — "Pretty awesome atmospheric optics today," was the explanation from WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich for the horizontal rainbow seen in the afternoon sky Friday.
Photos of the rainbow were shared by many WCNC Charlotte viewers, some of which also noted the timing of the atmospheric beauty which came on a holy day for both Christians and Jews, Good Friday and Passover respectively.
"It's so beautiful. Image that on Easter. On Good Friday that shows up," John Crowe said in a Facebook video Friday recorded in Caldwell County. "I'm going to get some still shots and send it over to Brad Panovich to see if we can get it on tv."
Panovich saw those images along with dozens of others sent in by viewers.
"The ice crystal in the high clouds today are the correct size and shape to act like prisms to create the cool show in the sky," Panovich explained.
The same conditions also produced the halo effect seen by some, as WCNC Charlotte's Brittany Van Voorhees explained.
Here is a look at some of the amazing rainbow photos you send to Panovich and team:
Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Listen to free podcasts from WCNC Charlotte
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.