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Strange cloud

2007.09.27


Lenticular clouds, technically known as altocumulus standing lenticularis, are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally aligned at right-angles to the wind direction.
Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. Lenticular clouds sometimes form at the crests of these waves. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form, creating a formation known as a wave cloud.
Power pilots tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but sailplane pilots actively seek them out. Although the clouds can produce heavy turbulence they also show a sign of precipitation. This is because the systems of atmospheric standing waves that cause "lennies" (as they are sometimes familiarly called) also involve large vertical air movements, and the precise location of the rising air mass is fairly easy to predict from the orientation of the clouds. "Wave lift" of this kind is often very smooth and strong, and enables gliders to soar to remarkable altitudes and great distances. The current gliding world records for both distance (over 3,000km) and altitude (15,460 m) were set using such lift.[1]
They have been mistaken for UFOs (or "visual cover" for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape.Lenticular clouds, technically known as altocumulus standing lenticularis, are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally aligned at right-angles to the wind direction.
Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. Lenticular clouds sometimes form at the crests of these waves. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form, creating a formation known as a wave cloud.
Power pilots tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but sailplane pilots actively seek them out. Although the clouds can produce heavy turbulence they also show a sign of precipitation. This is because the systems of atmospheric standing waves that cause "lennies" (as they are sometimes familiarly called) also involve large vertical air movements, and the precise location of the rising air mass is fairly easy to predict from the orientation of the clouds. "Wave lift" of this kind is often very smooth and strong, and enables gliders to soar to remarkable altitudes and great distances. The current gliding world records for both distance (over 3,000km) and altitude (15,460 m) were set using such lift.[1]
They have been mistaken for UFOs (or "visual cover" for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape.
15 Comments
dromidriver ufo :)
dromidriver · 2007-09-23: 04:14
Cherax That's called a 'lenticular' cloud. Interesting!
Cherax · 2007-09-23: 04:25
vollenda I like #1. I think it's a ufo too. :)
vollenda · 2007-09-23: 09:12
maharba dolphin in the sky
maharba · 2007-09-23: 09:32
JacquesR So strange... Great capture!
JacquesR · 2007-09-23: 10:19
radioballet "lenticular ufo" :)
radioballet · 2007-09-23: 12:54
hazaj like a dolphin.
hazaj · 2007-09-23: 14:19
photopoet Unusual cloud and wonderful information. Perhaps it is a UFO masquerading as a cloud.
photopoet · 2007-09-23: 17:10
vmathewk Such beautiful cloud. Lovely shot.
vmathewk · 2007-09-23: 17:53
Karibbean this is unusual!
Karibbean · 2007-09-23: 22:56
TIM927 Wow amazing information, great shot!
TIM927 · 2007-09-24: 04:57
aimeric bonne info, beau ciel
merci pour le partage
aimeric · 2007-09-24: 05:47
kevincm Unusual cloud.. well caught!
kevincm · 2007-09-24: 10:17
toshthedude Knife in the Sky! :) Wonderful capture!!!
toshthedude · 2007-09-25: 02:35
davidcardona Wonderful! Thanks for the tip! Well done!
davidcardona · 2007-09-27: 21:26
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