A cloud – or perhaps better described as a vast area of cloud due to its immense size – has appeared ominously in the sky over Spain.
Many observers have noted that this cloud looks quite frightening, resembling a “mothership” from an alien movie. So, what do experts advise us when witnessing this phenomenon?
Everyone knows that clouds can take on many shapes, yet when faced with a gigantic, oddly-shaped gray cloud, many still find it unsettling.
Recently, a strange cloud has emerged over the Balearic Islands in Spain. This cloud is extremely large, covering a vast area, dark gray in color, and resembles both ocean waves and some kind of machine high above. Consequently, many social media users have dubbed this cloud the “mothership of aliens” (the term “mothership” typically refers to a large, powerful ship that supports or coordinates the activities of smaller vessels).
Many people call this cloud a “mothership.” (Photo: Rafel Ginard).
However, in reality, this cloud has nothing to do with aliens.
This unusual cloud is known as a shelf cloud (also referred to as “tsunami cloud” because in many cases, it resembles a tsunami in the sky). This type of cloud appears to be relatively low and is often very large, obscuring a significant portion of the sky and blocking out nearly all sunlight, according to The Des Moines Register.
Shelf clouds often block out light over a vast area, making them indeed look frightening. (Photo: NWS).
Shelf clouds can appear along the path of a series of thunderstorms, thus they can be seen as a warning of severe weather (though they do not cause thunderstorms), according to a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States. They typically form when warm air ahead of a storm meets cooler air associated with that storm. Shelf clouds can also develop at the edge of a cold air mass.
Huge shelf cloud in Queensland, Australia. (Photo: Jenneal100).
Since shelf clouds often precede thunderstorms – bringing heavy rain and strong winds – witnessing one can indeed be alarming. Meteorologists advise that when a shelf cloud approaches, people should quickly prepare to seek shelter and avoid staying outdoors for too long.
