Lenticular clouds over Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld’s skies held a spectacular formation of Lenticular clouds this morning, that sent quite a few of us here at the Creative Industries department out for a photo and then online to do a little research.

So, here’s the science…technically known as altocumulus standing lenticularus, these distinctive clouds form at high altitudes as strong winds blow over and around rough terrain.

Formations usually occur in mountainous areas and therefore are rarely seen in lowland terrain. Due to  their smooth and distinctive, layered shape they are often offered as an possible explanation for UFO sightings.  The truth is out there…