Lenticular clouds: Like something from outer space!

Breath-taking lenticular clouds were spotted in Slovakia recently, as the sunset lit the sky with magical colours.

Amidst a weekend of spectacular cloud spotting, these lenticular clouds were seen in Slovakia on Sunday 18th December 2023.

These clouds formed due to strong north-westerly winds over the High Tatra Mountains and were spotted from the municipality of Ľubica, approximately 650 metres above sea level.

Lenticular clouds are a type of atmospheric cloud formation that often appears over mountain ranges or other geographical features that disrupt the flow of air.

These clouds are lens-shaped and typically form at high altitudes where stable, moist air flows over an obstacle such as a mountain.

They form as a result of air flow and pressure variations within standing waves, and also form in parallel alignment to the wind direction. The clouds appear stacked on top of each other, giving them a layered or pancake-like appearance.

Lenticular clouds are stationary and do not move with the wind like many other cloud types. They're often mistaken for UFOs due to their saucer-like shape, and their appearance is often associated with turbulence and changing weather conditions.

Nacreous clouds that form in the lower stratosphere can also sometimes have lenticular shapes.