The Big Picture
Rare noctilucent clouds are currently visible in the sky during the summer months. These clouds offer a unique celestial display for observers. This phenomenon presents an opportunity to witness a seldom-seen atmospheric event.
Key Facts
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Rare noctilucent clouds are visible this summer.
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Noctilucent clouds are also known as night-shining clouds.
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They form at an altitude of approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers).
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These clouds are composed of tiny ice crystals.
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They become visible when illuminated by sunlight below the horizon after sunset or before sunrise.
How Media Is Covering This
1 articleWhy It Matters
Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in Earth's atmosphere, forming at an altitude of around 50 miles (80 kilometers). They are composed of tiny ice crystals that form on dust particles, likely from meteoroids. These clouds become visible when they are illuminated by sunlight from below the horizon after sunset or before sunrise, while the lower atmosphere is in darkness.
The phenomenon is considered rare, and their appearance offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe a seldom-seen atmospheric event. Their visibility is typically associated with the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.
