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Mammatus clouds at sunset, over Idaho

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May 8, 2015

View larger. | Mammatus clouds at sunset submitted by Andrew Ashton in Nampa, Idaho. Thanks, Andrew! — View larger. | Mammatus clouds at sunset. Photo by Andrew Ashton. Thanks, Andrew!

Andrew Ashton in Nampa, Idaho submitted this beautiful shot, which I believe he captured earlier this week. The pouch-like protrusions hanging from the undersides of these clouds are called mammatus clouds.

One interesting aspect of mammatus clouds is that they’re formed by sinking air. Most clouds are formed by rising air. They typically indicate stormy weather, but, contrary to myth, they don’t continue extending downward to form tornados.

More photos: You’ve got to see these mammatus clouds

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May 8, 2015

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.