Need help to understand the reason behind the sunset effect seen here

[1994Bhaskar]

Someone I know clicked the image attached while on an airplane... I am confused regarding the strange contrasting pattern of clouds seen in this picture which makes us perceive that sun is leaving a trail(not really)... What caught my attention in this picture is the orientation of the reflecting cloud in comparison to the cloud (the dark seemingly flattened cloud in between)... Is this picture just something clicked at the right angle and time or some reason for this effect... Any help appreciated... If you guys feel this thread is better suited at another forum then do tell me which one... Thanks.

 

[Simon Bridge]

The clouds are different compositions and at different altitudes and distances.
The black cloud is just low and close.

 

[klasse35]

1994Bhaskar.
When and where exactly was the picture taken ? Looks like a Space-Rocket-Start after sunset with the clouds at differenmt layers, with - as Simon points out, the dark cloud as deepest already out of the sun-light, closest and lowest.

 

[Simon Bridge]

The bright streak is most likely a contrail - the denser ice/vapour reflecting more strongly.
Google for "contrail at sunset" for many more examples.

 

[davenn]

The bright streak is most likely a contrail - the denser ice/vapour reflecting more strongly.
Google for "contrail at sunset" for many more examples.

my thoughts exactly


Dave