Lenticular Sunset

October 18, 2009

20091014 – Wednesday - Lenticular Sunset

Photographer: Martin Richard
Summary Authors:
Martin Richard; Jim Foster

The photo above showing a glowing lenticular cloud was taken near Bozeman, Montana on October 28, 2006, at approximately 6:15 p.m. The view is to the east. As the Sun had recently set the snow-covered landscape is now darkened but these altocumulus lenticularis clouds still bask in the remaining sunlight. Lenticular clouds typically form in waves or disturbances on the leeward (downwind) side of mountain ranges. These lens, or almond, shaped wave clouds tend to remain stationary with respect to the underlying terrain. At the end of the day, when lenticular clouds linger, dramatic sunsets can be expected.

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