October 23rd 2024.
Last month, NASA captured an aerial image of an unusual cloud formation that has been a recurring sight for over a century. This cloud, which resembles a UFO, is located above the Taieri Plain in New Zealand, an area known for its agricultural land. Despite its eerie appearance, the locals have grown fond of it and affectionately refer to it as the "Taieri pet". It has become a famous phenomenon, with sightings reported by people in the nearby towns of Middlemarch and Hyde.
Intrigued by this mysterious cloud, scientists from NASA were able to capture it on satellite imagery. One pilot, Geoff Beckett, even recalls seeing it from the flight deck of his aircraft while flying over the area. He described it as the most impressive cloud he has ever seen in his 20 years of flying. In fact, he even shared a photo of the cloud taken back in 1951, showing its remarkable scale and height.
Beckett also shared his experience of encountering the cloud up close, saying, "As we drew up next to it, we asked to go around it. You definitely don't want to fly through one of those, the turbulence would be horrific." It's no wonder why locals have been wary of this cloud, as it can bring strong winds and damage to their crops. The earliest record of this cloud being detected was back in 1896, as reported by the now defunct Otago Witness newspaper.
This unique cloud formation is known as an elongated altocumulus standing lenticular cloud. It is often compared to pancakes or stacks of pancakes and can be smooth or have small elements grouped together. These clouds are formed when stable, moist air flows over a mountain range, causing the water vapor to condense into vertical layers. For this cloud to form, the wind direction and the mountain range must be perpendicular to each other. It usually occurs in the troposphere at a height of 6,500–16,500 feet.
Despite its unusual appearance and sometimes damaging effects, this cloud has become a source of fascination for many. It's a reminder of the incredible power and beauty of nature, and it's no wonder why people continue to be captivated by it.
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