I have received two really neat pictures illustrating atmospheric phenomena this week. One is local from Ralph Koepsel of Ider. The other was taken from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

The first shot was taken Tuesday afternoon and is a great image of Snow Virga falling from high based clouds over Dekalb County. The snow evaporated long before it reached the ground, but it was clearly visible from below.

The other shot one an award as the science shot of the year. A jet, breaking the sound barrier just above the Pacific ocean. The shock waves produced as the plane flew at supersonic speeds caused the air around it to expand and contract. When it expands, the air suddenly cools, and moisture condenses to form a cloud! The picture was taken by John Gay from the top of an aircraft carrier.

Enjoy!

Virga