Open Heavens

At first glance, one might think this is a picture of the sky opening for people to ascend or for aliens to descend. Instead, this odd cloud that appeared over Victoria, Australia is a fallstreak hole.

It is caused when ice crystals that form as water droplets in the cloud freeze, become somewhat heavier than the surrounding droplets, and pull a section of the cloud downward. The ice crystals can form as a result of passing aircraft. These crystals that have frozen over have refracted light, creating a rainbow-like effect. Although rare, these holes can be found in almost any geographical location.