Rare Clouds Forming in the Stratosphere

Space Weather News for Jan. 1, 2017 http://spaceweather.com https://www.facebook.com/spaceweatherdotcom POLAR STRATOSPHERIC CLOUDS: Earth's stratosphere is normally free of clouds. Not this weekend, though. Observers around the Arctic Circle are reporting an outbreak of brilliantly-colored polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). Some PSCs are associated with the destruction of ozone and can even cause regional ozone holes. The clouds observers are seeing now are so beautiful, they rival the auroras as must-see wonders of the Arctic. Learn more on today's edition of Spaceweather.com . Remember, SpaceWeather.com is on Facebook! Above: Polar stratospheric clouds over the Lofoten Islands of Norway, photographed by Eric Fokke on New Years Eve. Those colors are real! Browse the photo gallery for more sightings. Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2016 Spaceweather.com, All rights reserved.