Results tagged “Noctilucent Clouds”

Noctilucent clouds in the high atmosphere. A rarely seen phenomenon : noctilucent clouds high in the atmosphere.

Tim Peake: We're seeing some rare high altitude noctilucent clouds just now - hope for some better pics next week.
Larger image Credits: ESA/NASA

Every summer, something strange and wonderful happens above the North Pole. Ice crystals begin to cling to dust and particles high in the atmosphere, forming electric-blue, rippled clouds that stretch across the sky at sunset. Noctilucent or "night-shining" clouds are a delight for high-latitude sky watchers, and their season is eagerly anticipated around the Arctic Circle.