clouds
Latest about clouds
New thunderstorms wider than Earth are spewing out green lightning on Jupiter — and could make one of the gas giant's massive bands disappear
By Harry Baker published
A pair of massive thunderstorms have been spotted swirling in Jupiter's "South Equatorial Belt" and are likely unleashing massive bolts of green lightning. Some experts think the pale clouds could end up altering the rusty band's color — and potentially even making it "disappear."
Microplastics may be entering the clouds and affecting the weather, scientists say
By Miriam Freedman, Heidi Busse published
Clouds affect Earth's weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles could alter these processes.
Giant wildfires can create their own weather. Here's how.
By Kyle Hilburn published
Wildfires can generate tornado-like fire whirls and other "unpredictable and erratic" weather. An atmospheric scientist explains how.
Gravity waves spark pair of perfect cloud ripples above uninhabited islands
By Harry Baker published
Earth from space This 2023 astronaut photo shows a pair of perfectly aligned "wave clouds" rippling above the Crozet Islands in the Southern Ocean. The unusual patterns are the result of changes in temperature caused by gravity waves.
Strange light spotted over distant 'hell planet' may be 1st rainbow 'glory' found beyond our solar system
By Harry Baker published
New data suggest that exoplanet WASP-76 b could harbor a massive, rainbow-colored light show known as a "glory." Until now, this phenomenon has been seen only within our solar system.
What happens if it's cloudy for the April 8 solar eclipse?
By Joe Rao published
Though everyone is hoping for clear skies, here's what might happen if an eclipse-chaser's worst enemy — clouds — decides to make an appearance.
Why low-level clouds vanish during a solar eclipse
By Katherine Kornei, Eos.org published
Cumulus clouds rapidly dissipate as the land surface cools. This isn't just good news for eclipse chasers on April 8, but also has implications for sun-obscuring geoengineering efforts.
Places with the best weather to watch the April 8 solar eclipse (and what happens if it's cloudy where you are)
By Jamie Carter published
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will offer an incredible view of the fully obscured sun — but some places along the path of totality may see cloudy weather. Here's how to plan for the best view possible.
Satellite snaps eerily circular holes in the clouds above Florida. What caused them?
By Harry Baker published
A NASA satellite recently spotted a series of bizarre "fallstreak holes" in clouds above Florida. The circular cloud gaps have been previously (and incorrectly) linked to paranormal phenomena.
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