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Explanation: What's happening above those clouds? In the past few years, videos have appeared on the web detailing an unusual but little known phenomenon: rapid light changes over clouds. Upon inspection and contemplation, a leading hypothesis for its cause has now emerged. In sum, this hypothesis holds that a lightning discharge in a thundercloud can temporarily change the electric field above the cloud where charged ice crystals were reflecting sunlight. The new electric field quickly re-orients the geometric crystals to a new orientation that reflects sunlight differently. In other words, a lightning discharge can cause a sundog to jump. Soon, the old electric field may be restored, causing the ice crystals to return to their original orientation. To help this curious phenomenon become better studied, sky enthusiasts with similar jumping or dancing sundog videos are encouraged to share them.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Sun dogs - lightning - thunderstorm - clouds
Publications with words: Sun dogs - lightning - thunderstorm - clouds
See also:
- Nacreous Clouds over Sweden
- APOD: 2024 November 19 B Undulatus Clouds over Las Campanas Observatory
- APOD: 2024 August 13 B Giant Jet from the International Space Station
- APOD: 2024 July 7 B Iridescent Clouds over Sweden
- APOD: 2024 June 18 B Gigantic Jets over Himalayan Mountains
- APOD: 2023 October 2 B Sprite Lightning in High Definition
- APOD: 2023 September 18 B The Red Sprite and the Tree