Cloud that looks out of this world:
Spectacular flying saucer shape lands on the top of Mount Etna
Although often mistaken for UFOs, lenticular clouds such as this one in Sicily are formed in the lowest layer of the atmosphere as stable humid air blows over a mountain range and drops on the other side.
Although often mistaken for UFOs, lenticular clouds such as this one in Sicily are formed in the lowest layer of the atmosphere as stable humid air blows over a mountain range and drops on the other side. The mountain acts like a rock in a stream, creating a wave of air on both sides. As the air rises up, the water vapour cools and condenses on the crest of the wave – forming the cloud. But it disappears as the wave drops away and dries out.
This makes the disc shape look stationary, even though air is streaming through. Airline pilots try to avoid such clouds as the rotation of rising winds causes turbulence.
But glider pilots seek them out, as the air currents can help their crafts soar.
