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Unusual cloud formation spotted above the Saanich Peninsula

Comet shaped cloud reported Tuesday evening
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The comet-shaped cloud was seen at sunset over Pay Bay. (Courtesy of Laura Munger)

Sidney and the rest of the Saanich Peninsula are well placed for wide open skies that seem to come alive at sunrise and sunset.

Layla Munger sent in photos of Tuesday night’s sunset at Patricia Bay, with an unusual-looking cloud formation.

The isolated cloud was streaked across the otherwise clear sky, looking a little like a comet.

Seeing shapes in clouds is always fun, what have you seen and have you got any cool cloud photos?

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According to the World Meteorological Organization’s international cloud atlas, more than 100 types of clouds exist. They come in almost all shapes and sizes, resembling waves, wisps, solid blocks and cotton candy. There are 10 basic types of cloud, based on their shape and height. These can be split into:

  • Low-level clouds (cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus) that lie below 6,500 feet (1,981 metres)
  • Middle clouds (altocumulus, nimbostratus, altostratus) that form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (1981 to 6,096 metres)
  • High-level clouds (cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus) that form above 20,000 feet (6,096 metres)
  • Cumulonimbus, which are found across the low, middle, and upper atmosphere.

Do you have any cool cloud pictures or unusual phenomena? We’d love to see them!

Send them into our Peninsula News facebook page.



nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com

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