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Credit & Copyright: Sean R. Heavey
Explanation:
Is that a spaceship or a cloud?
Although it may seem like an
alien mothership,
it's actually a impressive thunderstorm cloud called a
supercell.
Such colossal storm systems center on
mesocyclones --
rotating updrafts that can span several kilometers and deliver
torrential rain and high winds including
tornadoes.
Jagged sculptured clouds adorn the supercell's
edge, while wind swept dust and rain
dominate the center.
A tree waits
patiently in the foreground.
The above supercell cloud was photographed in 2010 July west of
Glasgow,
Montana,
USA, caused minor damage, and lasted several hours before moving on.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: thunderstorm
Publications with words: thunderstorm
See also: