Science & Technology

Weird cloud like the one from 'Nope' keeps showing up in New Zealand

By T.K. Randall
October 22, 2024 ·  5 comments

What is this cloud ? Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / USGS / Lauren Dauphin In the 2022 movie 'Nope', a strange out-of-place cloud in a remote part of California turns out to be something a lot more sinister - placing the film's characters into a chilling life-or-death situation.

But could something like this actually exist in real life ?

While its origins are no doubt a lot closer to home, this weird 'pet cloud' photographed over New Zealand is perhaps the closest thing you'll find to a real-life counterpart to the 'Nope' cloud.

Known as the 'Taieri Pet', this strangely out-of-place cloud is notable because it keeps reappearing over New Zealand's South Island when certain atmospheric conditions occur.Measuring around 7 miles across, the cloud - known as an elongated altocumulus standing lenticular cloud (ASLC) - has a habit of showing up over the island's Otago region over and over again.

Rather than being a creature from another world, however, the cloud is actually the result of a wave of air passing over nearby mountains, forcing water vapor to condense.

"As the cloud forms on the crest of this wave, it remains almost stationary in the sky and is shaped by the strong winds blowing through it," explained meteorologist John Law.

"The appearance of the Taieri Pet is a great indicator of strong winds high in the atmosphere."

Not a man-eating space monster, then.

Source: Live Science | Comments (5)

Tags: Cloud