Sky Invasion: UFO-Shaped Clouds Commandeer the Atmosphere

Observers spotted saucer-shaped clouds. Observers spotted clouds that looked like UFOs flying in the sky

The photos were taken near the summit of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii. These photos capture lenticular clouds, often created downwind of a hill or mountain as strong winds blow over and around rough terrain.

Today we spotted some UFOs! Or rather their replicas. Check out the photos of the hovering saucer-shaped lenticular clouds.

Lenticular clouds — scientifically known as altocumulus standing lenticularus — generally form in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, parallel to the wind direction, which gives them their otherworldly appearance.

These strangely shaped clouds are sometimes confused with UFOs due to their smooth, disk-like shape. They form at altitudes above 13,000 feet (3,960 meters), forced by strong winds over and around volcanic peaks. This in turn creates waves in the atmosphere downwind of both peaks.

The photos were taken by staff at the astronomy observatory.