Portal:Astronomy/Picture/24 August 2005

Noctilucent clouds are bright cloud-like phenomena, typically seen in late twilight on summer nights at mid-northern and mid-southern latitudes. They form at altitudes of about 85 kilometres, and therefore reflect the Sun's light long after it has set. Formerly infrequently seen, they have become increasingly common over the last century, for reasons which have yet to be established.