NASA’s Terra satellite recently captured images of strange cloud formations over the Gulf of Mexico that resemble someone using a hole punch on the sky. These unique clouds, known as cavum clouds or hole-punch clouds, have been documented by researchers since the 1940s but were only explained about 15 years ago.
Cavum clouds are so large that they can be seen from both the ground and space, leading to mistaken sightings of flying saucers or other unusual phenomena. Unlike typical clouds, cavum clouds are not naturally occurring and require human technology to form.
According to studies conducted by NASA’s Langley Research Center, cavum clouds are formed when airplanes pass through mid-level altocumulus clouds made of supercooled droplets. The angle at which the plane passes through the clouds determines the size of the cavum left behind. The shallower the angle, the larger the cavum cloud.
Interestingly, any type of plane can produce cavum clouds, and they are particularly prevalent near the west coast of Florida, where over 1,000 flights per day from Miami International Airport contribute to their formation.
The Terra satellite, designed to study changes in Earth’s atmosphere and the effects of climate change, captured photos of a cluster of cavum clouds near Florida’s west coast on January 30. Researchers utilize data collected from the satellite to map the impact of human activity and natural disasters on Earth’s atmosphere.
These unique cloud formations serve as a reminder of the influence human technology has on our environment. As we continue to study and understand these phenomena, we gain valuable insights into the impact of our actions on Earth’s delicate balance.
Source: Business Insider
