Did you catch a glimpse of the pink rainbow in the skies above Glasgow?

Residents of Glasgow’s southside were treated to a stunning spectacle on Thursday evening as a pink rainbow appeared in the sky.

The phenomenon was captured on camera at Maxwell Park in Pollokshields at around 9pm on Thursday, August 20.

Images show a rose-coloured, dusty-pink rainbow with a light gold band dominating the skies across the city.

Karen Davidson

A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon caused by light reflecting off airborne water droplets.

A pink rainbow occurs when the sun is low, usually at sunrise or sunset, which causes the distinctive pink, dusky colour.

A combination of exact timing and perfect weather conditions are needed for a pink rainbow to form.

Other solid rainbow colours include a deep red, gold, yellow and even white, also known as a fogbow.

Insight Philip Petrie STV weather presenter

A pink rainbow was spotted last night in the early evening skies over Glasgow, but what exactly is a pink rainbow?

Well, it is a rare phenomenon, but at its core, it’s a pretty standard rainbow that happens at a specific time of night around dusk when the sun is low in the sky. 

This creates a rare optical effect where a regular rain rainbow combines with a vibrant pink or red sunset to make a pink looking rainbow. The low angle sunlight travels through the atmosphere, scattering short blue and green light wavelengths and leaving only the red and pink hues. 

Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country