Mare’s Tails Above Schroon Lake, New York
July 10, 2019
Photographer: Marion O. Weaver
Summary Author: Marion O. Weaver
These classic cirrus clouds were observed over Schroon Lake, New York on June 24, 2019. It’s obvious why this type of cirrus is referred to as mare’s tails. Composed of ice crystals, cirrus clouds form at altitudes above about 20,000 ft or 6,000 m, where temperatures are usually below -36 F (-38 C). They’re often seen preceding an approaching warm front. Strong winds in the upper troposphere gives them their feathery appearance. Compare with yesterday's photo of noctilucent clouds.
Photo Details: Camera: Apple iPhone X; Exposure Time: 0.0003s (1/3003); Aperture: ƒ/1.8; ISO equivalent: 20; Focal Length (35mm): 28.