Noctilucent Cloud and Moon - 20th July 2009


Although it was cloudy overhead the northern horizon was mostly clear and alllowed a good view of the rising moon and an extensive noctilucent cloud display. The sun was 12.6 degrees below the horizon.

The earthshine on the waning crescent moon made for an impressive sight as it shone through the thin noctilucent cloud.

Click here for an animation (2.1 MB gif)

(21 images taken over 2 minutes)

Further to the left the structure of the cloud was quite different.

As the sun got nearer the horizon the display was more extensive. Unfortunately much of this herringbone structure was hidden by low cloud moving in.

The noctilucent cloud was still quite strong even when the sun had got up to 9.2 degrees below the horizon. The low cloud obliterated what was left soon afterward.


Canon EOS 20D   20th July 2009
Wiltshire, England

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