Kelvin-Helmholtz?

[Ben Catling]

Hi,

I need some help please. My son thought he saw a Kelvin-Helmholtz just over an hour ago above Loughborough, England. I’m not convinced, but thought if anyone would know, it would be someone here. If he’s right I’ve just lost a challenge I had with him we’ve had for 10 years!

Thanks,       Chris

[Gavin Pretor-Pinney]

Dear Chris,

In my opinion, you son has won the challenge. That looks like a pretty classic Kelvin-Helmholtz formation (now more formally known as fluctus). To have been an ideal example, the tops of the undulations would have had more pronounced curls to them, but I still think this is a pretty good example.

I hope he wins something good.

Gavin

[Ben Catling]

Thanks Gavin,

I think it’s a double portion of humble pie for me and bragging rights for Ben. I’ll need to even things up with a first to get a picture of noctilucent. In the mean time we shared a horizon to horizon distrail at Lands End recently.

Thanks again for your help,

Chris

 

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