2. Night Sky

Noctilucent

Stunning and rarely witnessed Noctilucent or "Night Shining Clouds". Midnight darkness turns to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds. The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon.

Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summertime carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere.

Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer.
Read More
  • Noctilucent close up

    Noctilucent close up

    Captured at home on 30th June 2020. The first time I've managed to capture these magnificent clouds for a few years. I had no expectation for any night sky work on this night as cloud cover forecast was not looking good. I had not even prepared my camera, when just after 10pm the clouds disappeared and out popped the waxing gibbous moon. I rushed out to shoot and after a while when cloud cover had completely diminished the skies came alive with azure blue and the magnificent noctilucent clouds came out to play. What an extravaganza. All the best shoots are those unprepared! A bit about Noctilucent clouds:- Stunning and rarely witnessed Noctilucent or "Night Shining Clouds" turns night to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds. The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summer time carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. This shot is a close up of the NLC clouds which really shows the structure well captured just after midnight. Captured with Olympus OM-D, EM-1 (iii) 300mm lens Tripod f4.5, 1.6s, ISO 400

  • Noctilucent Clouds

    Noctilucent Clouds

    Captured at home on 30th June 2020. The first time I've managed to capture these magnificent clouds for a few years. I had no expectation for any night sky work on this night as cloud cover forecast was not looking good. I had not even prepared my camera, when just after 10pm the clouds disappeared and out popped the waxing gibbous moon. I rushed out to shoot and after a while when cloud cover had completely diminished the skies came alive with azure blue and the magnificent noctilucent clouds came out to play. What an extravaganza. All the best shoots are those unprepared! A bit about Noctilucent clouds:- Stunning and rarely witnessed Noctilucent or "Night Shining Clouds" turns night to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds. The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summer time carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. This panorama shot is made up of 3 images captured just after 11pm. The NLC clouds filled the sky from the west to north, as you see in this image. Captured with Olympus OM-D, EM-1 (iii) 12-40mm lens Tripod f4, 1.3s, ISO 400

  • Noctilucent Panorama

    Noctilucent Panorama

    Captured at home on 30th June 2020. The first time I've managed to capture these magnificent clouds for a few years. I had no expectation for any night sky work on this night as cloud cover forecast was not looking good. I had not even prepared my camera, when just after 10pm the clouds disappeared and out popped the waxing gibbous moon. I rushed out to shoot and after a while when cloud cover had completely diminished the skies came alive with azure blue and the magnificent noctilucent clouds came out to play. What an extravaganza. All the best shoots are those unprepared! A bit about Noctilucent clouds:- Stunning and rarely witnessed Noctilucent or "Night Shining Clouds" turns night to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds. The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summer time carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. This panorama shot is made up of 3 images captured just after 11pm. The NLC clouds filled the sky from the west to north, as you see in this image. Captured with Olympus OM-D, EM-1 (iii) 12-40mm lens Tripod f4, 1.3s, ISO 400

  • Untitled photo
  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

    July 09 2010. Stunning Noctilucent display and the best thus far I have ever witnessed. The early evening display commenced about 2230hrs and maintained good overhead visibility before dwindling on the low northern horizon at approx 0100hrs on July 10th. At its peak the display must have been close to 70 deg above horizon, almost directly overhead. It was full of mesmorising waves and crooked curves and sustained a very deep electric blue colour. Once again summer skies were temporarily turned into daylight. A brilliant evening. Captured with Oly E3 and combination of 12-60mm/50-200mm SWD lenses. Fastest aperture, all 2.5s and ISO 320.

  • 18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm.

    18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm.

  • 18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200.

    18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200.

  • 18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200. Panorama stitch of 3 mages.

    18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200. Panorama stitch of 3 mages.

  • 18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200. Panorama stitch of 3 mages.

    18 June 2010. The 2010 Noctilucent season has begun. First decent sightings of the year from the early hours of this morning (0100hrs) in Lutterworth, Leics. Not a bad dispaly which lasted for about an hour. Night turned to day for a brief period. Captured with Olympus E3, 50-200mm. F3.2, 10s, ISO 200. Panorama stitch of 3 mages.

  • Midnight darkness turns to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds captured above the Leics skyline on June 17/18th 2009. This remarkable photograph was taken at midnight and shows the rare phenomenon of 'night shining.' The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summertime carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. Taken with Olympus E3, 12-60mm SWD.

    Midnight darkness turns to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds captured above the Leics skyline on June 17/18th 2009. This remarkable photograph was taken at midnight and shows the rare phenomenon of 'night shining.' The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summertime carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. Taken with Olympus E3, 12-60mm SWD.

  • Midnight darkness turns to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds captured above the Leics skyline on June 17/18th 2009. This remarkable photograph was taken at midnight and shows the rare phenomenon of 'night shining.' The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summertime carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. Taken with Olympus E3, 12-60mm SWD.

    Midnight darkness turns to day from the glow of noctilucent clouds captured above the Leics skyline on June 17/18th 2009. This remarkable photograph was taken at midnight and shows the rare phenomenon of 'night shining.' The shimmering clouds form at an altitude of around 55 miles above sea level and are made up of tiny ice droplets. Because they are so high up in the atmosphere the sun is able to illuminate the clouds from below the horizon. Called 'noctilucent' clouds, which literally means 'night-shining' in Latin, they are normally spotted in polar regions during the summer months. Noctilucent cloud formations are the highest on Earth where temperatures can plunge below -130C (-200F) and winds peak at 300mph. They appear in the mesosphere, which is between 30miles and 50miles above the Earth's surface. Clouds are made up of ice crystals and scientists are baffled as to how these form in an arid layer that is several million times drier than the Sahara Desert. But their prevalence in the summer months might be one clue. Upwelling winds in the summertime carry water vapor from the moist lower atmosphere toward the mesosphere. Apparently the water droplets also need dust particles to stick to to create the ice crystals. This could explain why the phenomenon was first recorded in 1885, two years after the Krakatoa eruption, when several tonnes of carbon dioxide, ash and dust were emitted into the atmosphere. However scientists do not know why the clouds have become more common since then rather than fading away. They have speculated that debris from space may be the answer. Taken with Olympus E3, 12-60mm SWD.

  • Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! A good contrast here of clouds in the lower part of the atmosphere (Troposphere up to 14km or 8 miles high) compared with the noctilucent in the upper part (Mesosphere up to 90km or 55 miles high). Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

    Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! A good contrast here of clouds in the lower part of the atmosphere (Troposphere up to 14km or 8 miles high) compared with the noctilucent in the upper part (Mesosphere up to 90km or 55 miles high). Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

  • Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

    Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

  • Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

    Stunning noctilucent display from 14 July 2009 Leics, UK. This was such an intense display and so early compared to previous sightings, 10.30pm. There was lots of cloud cover too but such was the intensity of the electric blues that it made hardly any difference! Taken with Olympus E3 & 12-60mm SWD

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.
    Noctilucent close up
    Noctilucent Clouds
    Noctilucent Panorama