Nacreous clouds over Formby

Nacreous clouds may be able to be seen from Formby over the next couple of days according to the Met Office.

According to Met Office, they are usually only visible from the UK when the cold air falls below -78 °C temperatures and so are most likely to happen during the polar winter.

The nacreous clouds are also known as mother of pearl clouds for their distinct appearance and they are laced with vivid iridescent light from below the horizon. They form in the lower stratosphere over polar regions when the sun is just below the horizon. The clouds are illuminated from below and often glow in vivid colours and will often remain visible for a couple of hours after sunset and through the night as they are lit by moonlight.The water droplets which form nacreous clouds are much smaller than those forming more common clouds. The smaller droplets scatter light in a different way which is what creates the distinctive luminescent appearance.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said conditions might be right to see nacreous clouds today in the northern parts of the UK. The forecaster explains: "The water droplets which form nacreous clouds are much smaller than those forming more common clouds. The smaller droplets scatter light in a different way which is what creates the distinctive luminescent appearance."

The best time you will be able to see nacreous clouds are just before dawn and just after sunset.