Atmospheric
Optics
More Nacreous Clouds!
There were yet more spectacular polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) this morning (and in daytime) over Ireland and UK. The low stratospheric temperatures continue and we should see more after sunset this evening (February 2, '16).
These pictures give a true picture of how the rarest of clouds actually appear in the sky.
But the reality is better. Look all around the sky at 15 to 45 minutes after sunset.
An afternoon appearance.
A daytime view. Muted colours and a keen eye needed to spot them but they wait there almost stationary to blaze forth colours after sunset.
Here their filmy appearance shows well. They are wave clouds and their thin sheets slowly stretch and curl in the stratospheric winds.
