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| Lenticular clouds look like UFOs |
Lenticular clouds, technically known as altocumulus standing
lenticularis, are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes,
normally aligned at right-angles to the wind direction.
Where stable moist air flows over a
mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may
form on the downwind side. Lenticular clouds sometimes form at the crests of
these waves. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can
form, creating a formation known as a wave cloud.
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Lenticular Clouds Ufo Mount
rainier Lenticular Cloud |
Power pilots tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because
of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but sailplane
pilots actively seek them out. This is because the systems of atmospheric
standing waves that cause "lennies" (as they are sometimes familiarly
called) also involve large vertical air movements, and the precise location of
the rising air mass is fairly easy to predict from the orientation of the clouds.
"Wave lift" of this kind is
often very smooth and strong, and enables gliders to soar to remarkable
altitudes and great distances. The current gliding world records for both
distance (over 3,000km) and altitude (14,938m) were set using such lift.
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| house under lenticular clouds |
Lenticular clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or "visual
cover" for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens
appearance and smooth saucer-like shape.
There is also a fascinating print medium called Lenticular Printing.
Source:http://www.crystalinks.com/lenticular.html
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