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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Маунт-Худ и линзовидное облако http://variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1285379/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Ben Canales
Explanation:
What kind of cloud is next to that mountain?
A lenticular.
This type of
cloud forms in air that passes over a mountain, rises up again,
and cools past the dew point -- so what
molecular water carried in the
air condenses into droplets.
The layered nature of
some
lenticular
clouds may make them appear, to some, as large
alien spaceships.
In this case, the mountain pictured is
Mt. Hood located in
Oregon,
USA.
Lenticular clouds
can only form when conditions are right -- for example this is first time
this astrophotographer
has seen a lenticular cloud at night near Mt. Hood.
The above image was taken in mid-March about two hours before dawn.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.