Extended Virga Streak
August 20, 2011
Photographer: Phil Lachman
Summary Author: Phil Lachman
Virga is a form of precipitation that evaporates before it hits the ground. It's observed as a streak or shaft of precipitation that falls from a cloud deck into drier and usually warmer air -- commonly seen in arid regions. I noticed this virga shaft as I was returning from the supermarket to my home in Eastwood, Australia. Because I always have my camera with me, I quickly parked the car and snapped away. This virga, which is also referred to as a fallstreak, formed an unusually long wispy trail as strong winds pushed its parent cloud rapidly across the sky. After about 15 minutes, the entire shaft vanished. Photo taken on May 7, 2011.
Photo Details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D; Focal Length: 28.0mm; Aperture: f/22.0; Exposure Time: 0.0020 s (1/500); ISO equiv: 1000.