Noctilucent Clouds - Viewing Instructions

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Noctilucent clouds (NLCs) have returned for the summer season, as confirmed by NASA. These striking electric-blue clouds form at an altitude of 85 km, near the edge of space, and their origins remain somewhat enigmatic, with theories linking them to space dust, rocket exhaust, and global warming. Observers are advised to look for NLCs at high latitudes, particularly in the western sky 30 to 60 minutes after sunset, when the Sun is 6 to 16 degrees below the horizon. Sightings have been reported as far south as Colorado and Virginia. Enthusiasts are encouraged to capture photographs of these clouds to share with the community.
Dotini
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According to NASA, the season for noctilucent clouds is now upon us.

These electric-blue clouds are hanging 85 km above Earth's surface, at the edge of space itself. Their origin is still largely a mystery; various theories associate them with space dust, rocket exhaust, global warming--or some mixture of the three. One thing is sure. They're baaack ... for the summer of 2012.

Observing tips: NLCs favor high latitudes, although they have been sighted as far south as Colorado and Virginia. Look west 30 to 60 minutes after sunset when the Sun has dipped 6o to 16o below the horizon. If you see luminous blue-white tendrils spreading across the sky, you may have spotted a noctilucent cloud.
http://spaceweather.com/ <--archive 6/14/12

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2003/19feb_nlc/ <-- science and history of noctilucent clouds

Respectfully submitted,
Steve
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Personally have never witnessed them, well not that I'm aware of ;)

if you do so, make sure you get a photo or 2 for us all to see

cheers
Dave
 

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