In this absolutely fabulous image, taken by Alessio Andreani, the moon can be seen rising over the snow-capped peaks of Mount Redentore, a member of the Aurunci Mountains in South Pontino, Italy.
Also pictured just above the landscape of the full moon is a tornado-like formation of a lenticular cloud (or altocumulus lenticularis), still tinted pink from the fleeting sunset.
These rare clouds, which are typically seen at high-altitudes (particularly above mountains or hills) are formed by high winds and air moisture. When the conditions are right, a current of moisture may become forced upwards over an angle, where the moisture will condense to form a lenticular cloud, which can take different shapes and forms.
- Jaime
Have any of you ever seen one before?
For Further Reading:
Here are a few more images of lenticular clouds over Mount Rainier in Washington State National Park:
and a time-lapse image of these clouds in motion:
You can see more images of Alessio Andreani's work here:
http://www.earthshots.org/
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