NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere spacecraft (AIM) had recently spotted certain "night-shining" clouds which is being formed 50 miles above the Earth's surface, which allegedly glows over Antarctica far earlier than usual. Experts say that these clouds consist of ice crystals and seeded by meteor debris, which enables it to have a stunning blue coloring effect.
Antarctica's Blue Lights: Is It The New Aurora Borealis?
According to reports released by Daily Mail, NASA explains that Nov. 17 has marked the start of noctilucent cloud season in the Southern Hemisphere, which are known to be the the Earth's highest clouds, and sit between our planet and space in the mesosphere. It was found that NASA has been seasonally observing these clouds, particularly during summer in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, when the mesosphere is at its most humid, sending water vapour up from lower altitudes.
Furthermore, Above Top Secret has also revealed that it is at this time of the year where it is considered as the coldest place on Earth, with freezing temperatures as low as -210 degrees Fahrenheit as a result of air flow patterns. Experts claim that through the study of these clouds, it could then potentially provide accurate insights with regards to the behaviour of this layer of the atmosphere, and its role relative to other layers, weather, and climate.
Meanwhile, it was found that for NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere spacecraft, which was launched in 2007 has allegedly revealed the Earth's complex atmospheric teleconnections and as to how changes in one reason could affect the responses of others. Just recently, a NASA plane carrying a team of scientists has found that the southern end of the Earth is apparently losing ice.
Ultimately, scientists believe that due to the fact that Earth is facing the threats brought by global warming, the glaciers in the Antarctic are losing an average of 83 gigatons of ice per year (91.5 billion US tons). Authorities have claimed that this is actually equal to Mount Everest's water loss every two years.
