Nacreous clouds are known to develop in extremely cold air above the polar region, and are mostly seen over Scandinavia, northern Canada and northern Russia.
On the evening of the solstice Yorkshire’s residents were transfixed by the stunning rainbow colours cast over clouds as they took out their phones to capture the phenomena.
The rare clouds occur when smaller ice particles form, which help to scatter the coloured light reflected from the sun and create the radiant spectacle.
According to the Met Office they are mostly seen before and after sunset and were last seen over Scotland in January.
Take a look at these spectacular images taken by people walking their dogs and coming home from work during sunset on Thursday, December 21.
5. Malcolm Hall
Malcolm Hall took these rainbow cloud shots over Sneaton, Whitby. Photo: Malcolm Hall, Whitby
6. Malcolm Hall, Whitby
Malcolm Hall, also took this shot around 3:45 in the afternoon over Sneaton, Whitby. Photo: Malcolm Hall
7. Stephen Woodcock, Whitby
Stephen Woodcock took this beautiful shot of the rare cloud phenomena over Whitby. Photo: Stephen Woodcock
8. Stephen Woodcock, Whitby
Stephen Woodcock took this incredible shot whilst out walking our dog during the evening. Photo: Stephen Woodcock