Weird Clouds Look Even Better From Space

May 14, 2010 12:44 PM

Amazing photos of unusual cloud formations, as seen from space—along with some of the science behind them. Click on the images for full-size, wallpaperable versions.
posted by ixohoxi (24 comments total)

The Great Lakes lake effect is gorgeous.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 12:51 PM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]

Beautiful.

Although the immature person in me says "goatse?"
posted by stormpooper at 12:53 PM on May 14, 2010

Awesome. Thank you.
posted by angiep at 12:53 PM on May 14, 2010

jesus fuck what a beautiful fucking planet we live on
posted by Nothing... and like it at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2010 [4 favorites]

the immature person in me says "goatse?"

I never expected something so immature from a person named "stormpooper".
posted by nathancaswell at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]

Also, good post.
posted by nathancaswell at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2010

The Great Lakes lake effect is gorgeous.

Yeah, from the top it is. It's not so gorgeous when you're underneath it, and it's landing on you in the form of snow. Heh.

These are awesome.
posted by FishBike at 1:04 PM on May 14, 2010

these are incredible. thank you for sharing. the weaving/swirling/curls are amazing.
posted by anya32 at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2010

Beau-ti-ful.

Now, I have this over-powering desire to listen to the Cocteau Twins.
posted by Skygazer at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2010

That's some cool shit.
posted by marxchivist at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2010

Wonderful pictures, thanks for posting this.
posted by pointless_incessant_barking at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2010

Fuckin' clouds? How do they work?
posted by jefbla at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2010 [7 favorites]

We live on the coolest planet in the whole world!
posted by Devils Rancher at 1:56 PM on May 14, 2010 [7 favorites]

fantastic, thanks for posting.
posted by xbonesgt at 2:07 PM on May 14, 2010

I've looked at clouds from both sides now.
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:46 PM on May 14, 2010 [6 favorites]

The world is just awesome.
posted by KathrynT at 3:52 PM on May 14, 2010

Tangential note: Alejandro Selkirk Island, in the first photo, was re-named in 1966 in honor of Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration for Robinson Crusoe. Robinson Crusoe Island (where he was actually marooned) is actually about 50 miles to the west.
posted by Araucaria at 5:30 PM on May 14, 2010

And I think to myself ... what a wonderful world.
posted by bwg at 5:49 PM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]

Boom de yada.
posted by Evilspork at 6:49 PM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]

mmmm undiluted fractals in nature
posted by mhjb at 7:34 PM on May 14, 2010

Fantastic post. Thanks.

Now, I have this over-powering desire to listen to the Cocteau Twins.

Whenever I hear that song now I always want to listen to Maxence Cyrin's version right afterward.
posted by homunculus at 7:48 PM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]

Good post. Great format. I just want to say thanks to the website for not putting everything on separate pages requiring a million clicks.
posted by blue_beetle at 9:46 AM on May 15, 2010

homunculus: Whenever I hear that song now I always want to listen to Maxence Cyrin's version right afterward.

I can see why. That was tremendous and scored to imagery from L'atalante, nonetheless. Thanks so much for pointing that out, I had no knowledge of it.
posted by Skygazer at 2:01 PM on May 15, 2010

Evilspork: "Boom de yada."

Boom de yada Boom de yada Boom de yada Boom de yada ...
posted by bwg at 5:14 PM on May 15, 2010