Lenticular Sunset

Looking North at 3:30 PM

This time of year, I have to get to our local dog park by 3:30 PM in order to get back from our 3-mile hike before the sunset. These two pictures were taken at 3:30 PM and 4:30PM. Both show lenticular clouds. Lenticular clouds form perpendicular to the winds, in this case parallel to the Rocky Mountains. The indicate the existence of a standing wave, which for us means walking in shorts in early December.

Looking South at 4:30 PM. Sure there is not aliens in that saucer-shaped cloud?

For other great pictures of the sky, visit Skywatch Friday.

Lenticular Clouds

Looking south at some lenticular clouds taken from the Mayflower Gulch trailhead.

I love lenticular clouds! Living at altitude means we get our fair share of them since they tend to form when moist, stable air flows over mountain ranges. When that happens a standing wave forms. On the downward side of this weave lenticular clouds can form. They are frequently lens shaped and when large and dramatic can mimic the profile of a UFO.

Other sky shots can be seen at Skywatch Friday.