A rare display of “meteor smoke clouds,” or noctilucent clouds, was seen in Texas on Monday morning, sending early risers into a state of wonder. These unusual clouds form high up in the mesosphere, at altitudes of 45 to 55 miles, and catch sunlight long before local sunrise and after sunset.
Unlike ordinary clouds that reside in the troposphere, noctilucent clouds are a product of the Earth’s atmosphere. They appear as glowing, wispy clouds that seem like smoke, hence their nickname. This unique phenomenon is visible from high altitudes and can be seen hours before the sun rises or sets in the local area.
Noctilucent clouds are a rare treat for observers, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s upper atmosphere. They are also of interest to scientists, who study these clouds to better understand the Earth’s atmospheric conditions.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/11/20/meteor-smoke-clouds-spacex-noctilucent-texas