To end the work week, I thought you might enjoy a look at some clouds that are almost “out of this world”!  Lenticular clouds are named for their distinctive lens shape, which some people think make them look like flying saucers.  Lenticular clouds are formed by condensed water vapor in air that is flowing smoothly over obstacles like mountains.  They are most often seen in areas like the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, but from time to time we can see them here in the Southeast too, especially in areas with more bumps.  At sunset the clouds provide a spectacular display!

You can read more about them at EarthSky.org here.  And view many more pictures at the Cloud Appreciation Society web site.

Source: Eberhard Weber, Cloud Appreciation Society
Source: Eberhard Weber, Cloud Appreciation Society