Lenticular clouds, often mistaken for UFOs, have been spotted in northern UK, creating a buzz among locals and skywatchers alike
Gateshead: So, have you heard about those weird clouds that look like UFOs? They popped up over parts of the UK recently, and folks are buzzing about them.
These clouds, known as lenticular clouds, have a unique shape that reminds people of flying saucers. They can also look flat and layered, which is why some call them pancake clouds.
They’re pretty rare in the UK, but this week, they were spotted in places like Newcastle, Cumbria, and even Scotland. It’s not every day you see something like this!
According to the Met Office, these clouds form when stable air flows over hills and mountains. It’s like when water flows over rocks in a river, creating ripples.
When there’s enough moisture in the air, those ripples can turn into these cool-looking clouds. There are actually three main types of lenticular clouds, each at different heights.
While they look fascinating, they can also bring strong winds. Pilots usually steer clear of them because of the turbulence, but glider pilots love them since they can tell where the air is rising.
