'Hole in sky' amazes scientists

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In summary, the 'hole in the sky' phenomenon is a circular gap in the clouds that reveals a clear patch of sky. These holes are formed when an airplane disturbs a portion of the cloud layer made up of supercooled water droplets, causing them to freeze and fall. While not rare, they are more commonly seen in mid-latitude areas during the winter. These holes can potentially affect the weather by acting as nuclei for precipitation. They typically last from a few minutes to a few hours before closing up and disappearing.
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A giant hole that appeared in a uniform layer of cloud over Mobile, Alabama, in the US, has left scientists puzzled.
Local resident Joel Knain said as he took pictures: "I immediately realized that I was seeing something unique."

Meteorological experts believe the hole formed when ice-crystals from a passing plane fell through the cloud, causing the water droplets in it to evaporate. [Continued with picture]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3394461.stm
 
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Pretty freaky-lookin'. I think an air current is a more likely explanation than aircraft exhaust. Some downdraft resembling a larger, slower-moving version of a microburst.
 
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The appearance of a giant hole in the sky over Mobile, Alabama has certainly caught the attention of not only local resident Joel Knain, but also meteorological experts. As Knain took pictures of the unusual phenomenon, he couldn't help but feel amazed by what he was witnessing. And he's not alone - scientists are equally puzzled by this strange occurrence.

According to meteorological experts, the hole was likely caused by ice-crystals from a passing plane falling through a uniform layer of cloud. This caused the water droplets in the cloud to evaporate, creating the distinct hole in the sky. While this explanation may seem logical, it's still a rare and fascinating event that has captivated the minds of scientists and the general public alike.

The fact that this event was captured by Knain and shared with the world through the internet is a great example of how technology has made it possible for us to witness and learn about such extraordinary events. It's also a reminder of the wonders and mysteries of our natural world that continue to amaze and intrigue us. As we continue to study and learn about the world around us, let's also take a moment to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature.
 

1. What is the 'hole in the sky' phenomenon?

The 'hole in the sky' refers to a large, circular gap that appears in the clouds, revealing a clear patch of sky. It is also known as a fallstreak hole or a hole punch cloud.

2. How are these holes formed?

The holes are formed when a portion of the cloud layer is made up of supercooled water droplets, meaning the water is below freezing but has not yet turned into ice. When an airplane passes through this layer, it creates a disturbance that causes the water droplets to freeze and fall, leaving a hole in the cloud layer.

3. Are these holes rare?

While not extremely common, these holes are not considered rare. They are most commonly seen in mid-latitude areas and are more likely to occur in winter months when the temperature is colder.

4. Can these holes affect the weather?

In some cases, these holes can lead to changes in the weather. As the ice crystals fall from the hole in the cloud layer, they can act as nuclei for other water droplets to freeze onto, potentially leading to precipitation.

5. How long do these holes typically last?

The duration of these holes can vary, but they typically last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Once the ice crystals have fallen and the cloud layer has been disrupted, the hole will eventually close up and disappear.

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