UFO shaped cloud seen hovering over Beaworthy

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IN a bizarre turn of events, local residents have been left scratching their heads as a UFO shaped cloud has been seen hovering over Beaworthy.

Reports of a cloud resembling a flying saucer have caused momentary panic that extraterrestrial visitors were finally about to make their move.

But not to worry, this is known as a lenticular cloud.

Lenticular clouds are lens shaped, unnatural looking and quite unusual in the British Isles but do occasionally occur.

A spokesperson from the Met Office explains: ‘They look a lot like the traditional shape of flying saucers in science fiction, and real lenticular clouds are believed to be one of the most common explanations for UFO sightings across the world.»

How do lenticular clouds form?

«When air blows across a mountain range, in certain circumstances, it can set up a train of large standing waves in the air downstream, rather like ripples forming in a river when water flows over an obstruction. If there is enough moisture in the air, the rising motion of the wave will cause water vapour to condense, forming the unique appearance of lenticular clouds.» A Met Office spokesperson continued.

What weather is associated with lenticular clouds?

A Met Office spokesperson added: «Lenticular clouds are a visible sign of mountain waves in the air. However, these waves can be present beyond the clouds, and may exist even when no clouds are formed.

«On the ground, they can result in very strong gusty winds in one place, with still air only a few hundred metres away. Pilots of powered aircraft tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence that accompany them. Skilled (and brave) glider pilots, on the other hand, like them, because they can tell from the shape of the clouds where the air will be rising.»