---
title: "Glow in the polar night: Ukrainian scientists in Antarctica recorded rare nacreous clouds"
description: "🌙✨ Ukrainian polar explorers at the \"Academician Vernadsky\" station recorded a rare phenomenon — nacreous clouds against the backdrop of the Moon. Meteorologist Serhiy Yakushchenko caught the moment when moonlight created a rainbow iridescence at an altitude of 30 km. Despite the beauty, this phenomenon is an indicator of processes affecting the ozone layer. #Ukraine #Science #Antarctica #Ecology"
date: 2026-08-15T15:27:19.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/glow-in-the-polar-night-ukrainian-scientists-in-antarctica-recorded-rare-nacreous-clouds
tags: [ukraine, antarctica, science, climate, ozone-layer]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Glow in the polar night: Ukrainian scientists in Antarctica recorded rare nacreous clouds

![Rare nacreous clouds over Antarctica during polar night, recorded by Ukrainian scientists](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/15/ukrainian-scientists-antarctica-pearly-clouds-moon/ukrainian-scientists-antarctica-pearly-clouds-moon-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Ukrainian polar explorers recorded nacreous clouds against the backdrop of the Moon.
- The phenomenon was observed at an altitude of 30 km at a temperature below -78°C.
- Clouds are an indicator of processes affecting the ozone layer.
- The author of the photos is meteorologist Serhiy Yakushchenko.

Participants of the 29th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition at the "Academician Vernadsky" research station recorded a unique atmospheric phenomenon — nacreous stratospheric clouds against the backdrop of a full moon. The National Antarctic Scientific Center published these rare shots, emphasizing that such observations in the region are extremely difficult due to frequent storms and dense cloud cover.

### Physics of a rare phenomenon

The author of the unique photos was the expedition's meteorologist, Serhiy Yakushchenko. The photographer managed to take advantage of a rare clearing over Galindez Island. In scientific classification, these formations are known as polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) of type II. Unlike ordinary clouds, they form at an altitude of 15 to 30 kilometers in the stratosphere. Extreme conditions are required for their appearance: the temperature must drop below -78°C. Moonlight, passing through microscopic ice crystals, creates a diffraction effect, coloring the clouds in pastel tones.

### Climatic indicator

Despite their aesthetic appeal, the appearance of nacreous clouds carries an important scientific signal. The surface of ice crystals in the stratosphere becomes a catalyst for chemical reactions that activate chlorine compounds. This phenomenon is a harbinger of the seasonal expansion of the ozone hole, which usually occurs with the onset of polar spring. Thus, the recorded footage serves as an important indicator for monitoring the state of the ozone layer.

[](/en/images/glow-in-the-polar-night-ukrainian-scientists-in-antarctica-recorded-rare-nacreous-clouds-2)

### Significance for science

Observing iridescence (rainbow coloring) in moonlight is considered a rare occurrence, as the human eye rarely distinguishes the color palette under low-light conditions. The success of the observation was due to ideal geometry: a specific angle of the moon's position and a uniform size of ice crystals. These data contribute to the understanding of atmospheric processes in Antarctica and help climatologists track global changes.

[](/en/images/glow-in-the-polar-night-ukrainian-scientists-in-antarctica-recorded-rare-nacreous-clouds-3)

### Contradictory data

While there is no disagreement in the scientific community regarding the nature of the phenomenon, there are different interpretations of its frequency. Some sources indicate that in recent years, due to changing climatic conditions, such clouds have been observed more often than in previous decades. Other researchers believe that this is due to improved camera equipment quality and more thorough monitoring, rather than a real increase in the frequency of the phenomenon. In any case, every recorded case remains valuable for science.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What are nacreous clouds?
**A:** These are rare stratospheric clouds consisting of ice crystals that create a rainbow effect when illuminated.

### Q: Why are they dangerous for the ozone layer?
**A:** Chemical reactions occur on the surface of the crystals, activating chlorine, which destroys ozone.

### Q: Who took the photos?
**A:** Meteorologist Serhiy Yakushchenko of the 29th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition.