Noctilucent Cloud Display Images

The summer of 2009 was a good one for NLC displays. Displays peak during years of solar minimum and we are currently

experiencing the longest minimum for a century.

Noctilucent clouds are high atmosphere cloud formations thought to be composed of small ice-coated particles at very high altitudes

- around 80 km, their precise nature remains a mystery. NLC’s are very tenuous in nature and are only visible during the deep

twilight of summer nights at high latitudes when the Sun lies between 6 - 16 degrees below the horizon.

The lighter nights of summer may make viewing faint objects such as galaxies difficult, but a good display of NLC almost makes up

for it.

Sightings at the Centre. Click on images for larger view

29th / 30th May - First sighting of NLC. Short lived

17th / 18th June - Very  bright long lasting display (mouse over the images to see larger views)

19th / 20th July - Shortly before dawn a bright band of NLC appeared full of streaks, waves and

intricate ripples. To make the event even better was the rising of Venus followed by a pale orange

crescent Moon.