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Night Shining Clouds: Mystery of the 19th Century
1 Jun
Summary
- Noctilucent clouds appear in the summer at the edge of space.
- Sightings began after 1885, coinciding with Krakatoa's eruption.
- Possible causes include pollution, volcanic activity, or climate change.
As summer graces the northern hemisphere, the captivating noctilucent clouds often appear, glowing with an electric-blue hue in the twilight sky. These enigmatic formations, whose name translates to "night shining," exist at the extreme altitude of about 80 kilometers, bordering space.
Notably, there are no recorded sightings of these striking clouds before 1885. This absence, coupled with their striking appearance, has led researchers to propose several theories about their origin. Some researchers suggest that the rise of industrial pollutants in the late 19th century provided the necessary aerosols for ice formation.
Other theories link their emergence to major events like the 1885 eruption of Krakatoa. Alternatively, it is believed that climate change might be playing a role by driving increased water vapor into the upper atmosphere, facilitating the creation of these celestial displays. In the southern hemisphere, the season for viewing noctilucent clouds typically begins in October.
