Rare formations · special cloud
Noctilucent clouds
Night-shining silver
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Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
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Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
.jpg){kind=link}
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Swipe or scroll sideways to explore the photographs. Photos may include other cloud types; names and credits come from their source records.
Spot it
Fine silvery-blue threads glowing in a twilight sky.
How it forms
Tiny ice particles form in the extremely cold upper atmosphere.
Read the sky
These clouds are far above ordinary weather clouds.
Where to look
Best known from middle and high latitudes during summer twilight.
Little sky facts
Reveal fact 1
Their name means night-shining.
Reveal fact 2
They remain sunlit after lower clouds fall into shadow.
Reveal fact 3
They form much higher than ordinary weather clouds.
Reveal fact 4
Their appearance can include delicate bands and billows.
Try this
Compare the bright high threads with dark clouds below.
Draw your own cloud ↗Read a little deeper
Met Office · formation and weather
Conditions described here are places to look, not a global frequency ranking. Use local weather forecasts and warnings for decisions. Never look directly at the Sun.