Concentric Cloud Bands in Sunset Twilight.

During the evening on Monday 10th March one of the most unusual displays seen in many years of observing sunset twilights appeared to the south-west of Murambi, Mutare between 6.33 and 6.43 pm. It consisted of three concentric after-sunset illuminated bands of high cloud, the nearest of which spanned a horizontal field of view of more than 100 degrees before appearing to approach the ground at both ends! Normally sunset illuminated optical phenomena such as crepuscular rays, appear to diverge from a sunset point on the horizon but these cloud bands formed three concentric arcs running approximately parallel to it. I would be interested to know if anyone has seen anything like it or can offer an explanation? A looped slideshow of panned views of the concentric clouds has also been produced and will be posted as a Discus comment if this submission is accepted.

Hand-held Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 in sunset mode.

Compilation of panoramic view by merging left, center and right hand still images.