Noctilucent clouds are night shining clouds, these means they shine after the sun has set. They only appear in summer months. This year 2023 we will be able to see them from early May until the end of August.
Mesosphere
Noctilucent clouds are in the Mesosphere, so that makes them very difficult to be seen in daylight, because they are so high up.
Why are they seen in summer? They are seen in summer because when the sun goes down, there is shadow on the other lower layers of the atmosphere while mesosphere still has light.
Weather permitting, we should be able to see them 90-120 minutes after the sun goes down on the northwest horizon or similar time before sunrise low above the northeast horizon.
They are normally seen at latitudes of 50 to 65 degrees. Sometimes at lower latitudes like in Spain.
How to find out the latitude where you live
If you are not sure at the latitude you live, you can check the compass of your phone. It might appear there. Otherwise you can search on google the latitude of your town or city.
For people that enjoy photography this is a great opportunity to capture a beautiful phenomenon.
*If you live on the south hemisphere you may see noctilucent clouds from mid November to mid February.
Have fun!!!
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