Breathtaking structure of noctilucent clouds

As the PoSSUM noctilucent cloud airborne campaign unfolds in High Level, Alberta, Canada, the PoSSUM team gets valuable scientific data using PMC-turbo cameras. As part of the science communication and outreach effort, photographer Adrien Mauduit is helping the project by taking ground imagery. It includes still images, but also time-lapse films that reveal the structure and evolution of the clouds in a breathtaking fashion.
"You might think they look like the waves of the ocean or the bottom of a pool, and that's exactly what this wondrous natural spectacle looks like," Mauduit said. "These ice particles reflect the light from the sun as they are sandwiched by different layers of the upper mesosphere. this, in turn, allows the delicate and elusive fluid mechanics to be witnessed and understood better, hence the goal of the project."
In this gorgeous 4K video, you will discover the different fine structures NLC's can take against the night sky (you can see stars moving in the background, their shakiness coming from image stabilization): Waves, billows, knots, bands, lacunous holes and veritable storms are waiting for you!
Video courtesy and caption: Adrien Mauduit
Read more: After delayed start, magnificent noctilucent clouds are back in full effect – July 4, 2017
Featured image credit: Adrien Mauduit
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Related articles
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.