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Credit & Copyright: Laura Rowe (Used with permission)
Explanation:
What makes this storm cloud so colorful?
First, the
cloud itself is composed of millions of tiny droplets of water and ice.
Its bottom is almost completely flat -- but this isn't unusual.
Bottom
flatness in clouds is generally caused by
air
temperature
dropping as you go up, and that above a specific height,
water-saturated air condenses out water droplets.
The shape of the cloud
middle is caused by a
water-droplet-laden column of air being blown upward.
Most unusual, though, are the orange and yellow colors.
Both colors are caused by the cloud's water drops reflecting sunlight.
The orange color in the cloud's middle and bottom
sections are reflections of a nearly
red sunset.
In contrast, the yellow color of the cloud's top results from
reflection of light from a not-yet-setting Sun,
where some -- but less --
blue light is being scattered away.
Appearing to
float above the plains in
Texas, the
featured impressive image of a dynamic
cumulonimbus cloud was
captured in 2021 while investigating a
tornado.
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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