Flying from Mexico City to Atlanta, GA early one morning last week, I kept my camera available in hopes of catching a chance to get a shot of Popcatépetl (El Popo, 17,802 ft.). El Popo has been rather active lately and been spewing ash. The volcano is one of two close to Mexico City and both are usually obscured by clouds, however that morning, El Popo and it sister volcano, Iztacchuatl,  were out in all their glory (Popo in the background; Iztacchuatl in the foreground). While not as impressive as it would have been to see the glow of an active volcano at night, it was still pretty cool to see El Popo venting.

Popocatépetl & Iztacchuatl

While continuing on the flight and flying at 38,000 ft. plus over the Gulf of Mexico, I experienced an interesting phenomenon. I have flown over the Gulf may times, but have never seen such a display. As I watched the clouds over the Gulf, I noticed the water began to irides; first a light yellow and green shimmer and then a full rainbow of color formed fully, laid flat and spread over the water. Having my camera conveniently available from wanting to capture Popo, I was able record this marvelous display of color. The rainbow only last a few seconds and then it was gone. For a few moments, favorable atmospheric conditions aligned perfectly with the angle of the sun and position of the plane.

Rainbow on the Gulf