Colorful Clouds in Indonesia

May 5, 2026, 18:27
AsiaScience

Introduction

People saw colorful clouds in Indonesia. Scientists explain why this happened.

Main Body

The clouds had many colors. This is called cloud iridescence. Sunlight goes through small drops of water or ice in the clouds. This makes the colors. This happened in Bogor. The colors were very bright. This is not new. People saw similar clouds in Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Many people shared photos on the internet. Some people liked the photos. Other people did not believe the photos were real.

Conclusion

These clouds are rare. They happen when the sun and the clouds are in the right place.

Learning

The 'Some vs Other' Contrast

In the story, we see how to talk about different groups of people:

  • Some people liked the photos. →\rightarrow (A small group)
  • Other people did not believe them. →\rightarrow (A different group)

How to use this: When you have a big group, use Some for the first part and Other for the second part to show a difference.

Action Words (Past vs Present)

Look at how the text changes time:

  1. Past (It already happened):

    • saw (see →\rightarrow saw)
    • happened (happen →\rightarrow happened)

  2. Present (It is a general fact):

    • is (it is a fact)
    • makes (sunlight makes colors)

Rule: Use -ed to talk about the event in Indonesia, but no -ed to explain the science.

Vocabulary Learning

iridescence
A display of bright, changing colors that appears on a surface when the angle of light changes.
Example:The iridescence of the soap bubbles amazed everyone at the science fair.
Bogor
A city in Indonesia known for its cool climate and many gardens.
Example:I visited Bogor last summer to see the famous botanical gardens.
internet
A global computer network that allows people to share information and communicate.
Example:She used the internet to find recipes for her new cooking hobby.
photos
Pictures taken with a camera or phone.
Example:He posted his photos of the sunset on social media.
believe
To accept something as true or real.
Example:She could not believe that the sky was actually rainbow-colored.
real
Something that actually exists or happens, not imaginary.
Example:The scientists were excited to see the real phenomenon in the sky.
rare
Not occurring often; uncommon.
Example:Seeing such a colorful cloud is a rare event.
bright
Giving off a lot of light or shining strongly.
Example:The bright colors of the clouds made everyone stop and look.
shared
To give a part of something to others or to show together.
Example:They shared the photos with their friends on the internet.
clouds
Masses of water vapor or ice particles floating in the sky.
Example:The clouds were filled with bright, rainbow-like colors.