Noctilucent Clouds - Viewing Instructions

  • Thread starter Dotini
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In summary, the season for noctilucent clouds is now upon us, according to NASA. These electric-blue clouds are located 85 km above Earth's surface and their origin is still largely a mystery. They have been associated with space dust, rocket exhaust, and global warming. Noctilucent clouds can be observed at high latitudes, with sightings as far south as Colorado and Virginia. Look west 30 to 60 minutes after sunset for a chance to spot them. Don't forget to take photos and share with others!
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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
 
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  • #2
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
 

1. What are noctilucent clouds?

Noctilucent clouds are thin, wispy, and iridescent clouds that form at high altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere. They are made up of tiny ice crystals and can only be seen during twilight, when the Sun is below the horizon.

2. Where can I view noctilucent clouds?

Noctilucent clouds can be viewed in the summer months in the Earth's polar regions, typically between latitudes 50° and 70°. They are best viewed during the local midnight to early morning hours, when the Sun is between 6 and 16 degrees below the horizon.

3. What causes noctilucent clouds to form?

The exact cause of noctilucent clouds is still being studied, but it is believed that they form when water vapor and dust particles in the upper atmosphere freeze around meteor dust, creating ice crystals that reflect sunlight and appear as glowing clouds.

4. How can I photograph noctilucent clouds?

To photograph noctilucent clouds, you will need a camera with manual settings and a tripod. Set your camera to a low ISO (around 100) and a long exposure time (10-20 seconds). It is also helpful to use a wide-angle lens and a remote shutter release to reduce camera shake. Experiment with different settings until you capture the desired effect.

5. Are noctilucent clouds a sign of climate change?

There is ongoing research to determine if there is a correlation between the increase in noctilucent cloud sightings and climate change. However, it is important to note that many factors can contribute to the formation and visibility of noctilucent clouds, and more research is needed to fully understand their connection to climate change.

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