Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Alerts! Questions? Discussions... => Topic started by: Rick on Jun 18, 2019, 13:37:43

Title: Noctilucent Clouds...
Post by: Rick on Jun 18, 2019, 13:37:43
The summer solstice is near, and it's prime time for noctilucent clouds, so if the sky should happen to be clear just after sunset, keep your eyes out for them.
Title: Re: Noctilucent Clouds...
Post by: ApophisAstros on Jun 18, 2019, 17:33:53
Apparently the best year ever.
https://mailchi.mp/spaceweather/record-setting-noctilucent-clouds?fbclid=IwAR0oF5fPsMeC9cd5OreuqhCQIVjo2C0GMxIe8rp2io_MG_XdLrtpbNjGzP8 (https://mailchi.mp/spaceweather/record-setting-noctilucent-clouds?fbclid=IwAR0oF5fPsMeC9cd5OreuqhCQIVjo2C0GMxIe8rp2io_MG_XdLrtpbNjGzP8)

Roger
Title: Re: Noctilucent Clouds...
Post by: Rick on Jun 30, 2019, 21:28:31
I've seen a few spectacular photos of NLCs this year. One set cropped up on a forum for another interest of min:

https://reflector.sota.org.uk/t/dm-ns-129-noctilucent-clouds/20471

APOD had a fantastic photo of NLCs over Paris:

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190628.html
Title: Re: Noctilucent Clouds...
Post by: Rick on May 30, 2023, 09:29:21
It's that time of year again.

Starwatch: Why 'night shine' clouds at edge of space may be product of pollution

Late spring, early summer marks the beginning of noctilucent cloud season in the northern hemisphere. The name derives from Latin, where noctilucent means "night shine". These beautiful cloud formations can often be seen during the summer months shining with an electric blue colour against the darkening western sky about 30 minutes after the sun sets.

The origin of the noctilucent clouds remains mysterious. They are the highest known clouds in Earth's atmosphere, existing at an altitude of about 80km (50 miles), which is virtually the edge of space. They are regarded as being too high and too tenuous to have any effect on the weather at ground level.

More: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/29/starwatch-why-night-shine-clouds-at-edge-of-space-may-be-product-of-pollution