A strange phenomenon known as the “Taieri Pet” cloud has been spotted in a recent satellite photo of New Zealand. This unique cloud formation is an altocumulus standing lenticular cloud (ASLC) that forms when moist air passes over the Rock and Pillar Range in the Otago region of New Zealand.
The Taieri Pet cloud, often mistaken for a UFO due to its unusual shape, is around 7 miles long and appears in almost the same spot between the towns Middlemarch and Hyde. These clouds form when waves of air pass over a mountain range, forcing water vapor to condense into vertical layers. The Taieri Pet is shaped by strong winds blowing through it, creating a stationary cloud that can reach several hundred feet in height.
Lenticular clouds like the Taieri Pet are often compared to flying saucers and are a common explanation for UFO sightings around the world. When viewed from the side, these clouds have multiple well-defined layers that resemble a stack of pancakes or a pile of plates.
While these clouds may look mesmerizing, they can pose a risk to aviation. Planes flying through lenticular clouds can experience severe turbulence and ice formation due to the low temperatures within the cloud. ASLCs can also indicate changes in atmospheric conditions and are often followed by increased precipitation, although historical weather data suggest this did not occur in this case.
Overall, the Taieri Pet cloud is a fascinating natural phenomenon that showcases the beauty and complexity of our atmosphere. Its unique shape and formation provide scientists with valuable insights into how air and moisture interact over mountain ranges like the Rock and Pillar Range in New Zealand. Next time you look up at the sky, keep an eye out for these bizarre pet clouds that may be hiding in plain sight above you.
