Noctilucent Clouds

[rdale]

http://spaceweather.com

NIGHT-SHINING CLOUDS: Last night a vivid display of electric-blue noctilucent clouds (NLCs) appeared over parts of northern Europe, signaling the start of the 2007 NLC season. Noctilucent or "night-shining" clouds were first reported in the 19th century after the eruption of super-volcano Krakatoa. In those days, NLCs were confined mainly to high latitudes, but they have intensified and spread with sightings in recent years as far south as Utah and Colorado. The origin of these clouds is a mystery; they may be a side-effect of global warming. A NASA spacecraft named AIM is in orbit now to investigate.

The peak observing season for NLCs is late spring and early summer. For the next two months, northern sky watchers should be alert for silvery tendrils spreading across the western sky after sunset. High-latitudes (Canada, northern Europe, Alaska) are favored, but NLCs are capable of descending unknown distances south, so it pays to be alert no matter where you live. Visit spaceweather.com for pictures and observing tips.

(Interesting that the website did not include the snippet connecting NLC's to global warming)

 

[Oscar van der Velde]

I used to get up in the middle of the night during NLC period in the Netherlands to photograph them. I have had most luck in the early mornings. These displays can really be awe-inspiring and good opportunities to enjoy the tranquility of the night and the morning bird orchestra....
my Noctilucent Clouds (and Aurora) photographs
However, this habit is hard on your daytime health.

Since a few years I live in southern France and chances are very slim to see them, unfortunately... although I might (active nightlife: sprite hunting). There was actually a research camera up on Pic du Midi in the Pyrenees last year that spotted them at least once.

Oscar

 

[B Ozanne]

I think I saw some noctilucents when flying over the Arctic Ocean a few years ago. I'm not sure. We were high, close to 40,000 feet, and the glowing clouds were high above me.

So typical about global warming. These "new" clouds are the result of global warming. And not the increased knowledge of their existence.

 

[mrobinett]

So typical about global warming. These "new" clouds are the result of global warming. And not the increased knowledge of their existence.

So typical? Whats typical about "global warming"? How are these clouds the result of "global warming"? Are they produced by particles in the atmosphere that heat or react to solar radiation that high up? (I am actually curious, and wasnt aware they existed) An increased knowledge of them for me might make a good case for GW, I just havent seen anything that makes a strong case, IMO.

Mike

 

[rdale]

That was sarcasm. Just like blaming global warming for the multitude of tornadoes reported now vs 50 years ago...

 

[mrobinett]

I totally missed it, I usually have my sarcasm detector going. I was actually interested... sounded plausible!
Thanks.
Mike

 

[Tarmo Tanilsoo]

I haven't seen any yet, but I am keeping my eyes open while watching space shuttle launch from NASA TV tonight. I also have my camera(yes, I got my own digital camera on 6th) ready to shoot in case of NLC's.

By the way, NLC's were seen already in 19th century

 

[B Ozanne]

That was sarcasm. Just like blaming global warming for the multitude of tornadoes reported now vs 50 years ago...

Thank you, unfortuneatly there isn't a sarcasm font.

Either way, I like noctilucents. I'll be looking for them all summer...even if I am too far south to see them.

 

[tom hanlon]

So typical about global warming. These "new" clouds are the result of global warming. And not the increased knowledge of their existence.

So true.. I hate ridiculous oversimplifications of complex cause and effect. Like tobacco causes cancer... yeah right ;-)

We just developed better methods of looking up into the sky at night. Once we had the equipment to look up, we saw these "new" clouds. Why would anyone think that his is a new trend? And even of it was representative of a developing trend why would anyone think that it correlates with any other recent changes.

Crazy talk.

--
Tom

 

[B Ozanne]

So true.. I hate ridiculous oversimplifications of complex cause and effect. Like tobacco causes cancer... yeah right ;-)

We just developed better methods of looking up into the sky at night. Once we had the equipment to look up, we saw these "new" clouds. Why would anyone think that his is a new trend? And even of it was representative of a developing trend why would anyone think that it correlates with any other recent changes.

Crazy talk.

--
Tom

I accept that its possible that global warming is increasing noctilucent clouds. But its more likely that people are better educated about what they are looking at. In the past many people saw ncl's and thought they were high cirrus being lit by the sun. Without proper study it would be hard to tell the clouds are twice as high as typical cirrus.

I happened to learn about ncl's a few years ago. Who knows how many ncl's I've seen before that.

 

[tom hanlon]

I accept that its possible that global warming is increasing noctilucent clouds. But its more likely that people are better educated about what they are looking at. In the past many people saw ncl's and thought they were high cirrus being lit by the sun. Without proper study it would be hard to tell the clouds are twice as high as typical cirrus.

I happened to learn about ncl's a few years ago. Who knows how many ncl's I've seen before that.

Darn,
what a reasonable reply, i was hoping for an escalation in sarchasm with perhaps a volley of irony and satire.

They do look cool, I will be looking up more, I am in Ireland tonight and tomorrow. Should be north enough.

--
Tom

 

[Tarmo Tanilsoo]

I think I just caught some.
More images from this night here