Noctilucent (night-shining) clouds can be seen during the months of June and July. They are an exceptional phenomenon that occurs between sunset and sunrise. Look towards the north for electric-blue clouds high in the atmosphere.
Noctilucent clouds are formed of ice crystals high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Their extreme altitude allows the Sun’s light to reflect off them at a specific angle causing them to appear illuminated. Only at this time of year, when the Sun sets low below the horizon in the Northern hemisphere, can these clouds be readily visible on clear summer nights appearing as ghostly whispers of light shimmering in the darkness of night.
As you can see from the above photograph the effects are simply stunning! The image was taken by Matt Robinson from Roker Beach during the early hours of a summer’s morning just prior to sunrise in 2015 and won him an award from Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
To see them you’ll need to be a night-owl as they are best viewed about half an hour after sunset through to half an hour before sunrise. Look towards the North and spot them towards the horizon, the further north you are the higher they should appear in the sky. We have heard reports that they have been spotted as far south as the South Coast of England!
To see how stunning noctilucent clouds can be check out Google Images!
Clear skies!