Massive lenticular cloud sparks UFO fears in Manchester

In a surprising event in the United Kingdom, a rare meteorological phenomenon known as a lenticular cloud was observed floating above the city of Manchester. This striking cloud formation was spotted recently, causing a stir among local residents and social media users alike. On a Friday morning, Dave Pickett, a 38-year-old civil servant, witnessed the remarkable sight when his son, Blake, aged seven, pointed it out from their home in Greenfield, near Oldham. Captivated by its appearance, Dave took out his phone and captured photos of the cloud that resembled a spaceship, further fueling imaginations and speculation about UFOs. Lenticular clouds are often mistaken for unidentified flying objects due to their unique, saucer-like shape. Meteorologically, these clouds form when moist air flows over mountainous terrain. The interaction of the wind with the hills causes wave patterns in the atmosphere, leading to the development of these distinct cloud forms. The Met Office has classified lenticular clouds as one of the common explanations for UFO sightings around the world, owing to their unusual and striking appearance In the case of the Manchester lenticular cloud, it was noted that it developed at an elevation of approximately 6,500 to 16,500 feet and that the conditions on that day had enough moisture to allow for the condensation of water vapor into a visible formation. Experts have indicated that pilots of powered aircraft typically avoid flying near these clouds because of the turbulence they can generate, yet some pilots of glider aircraft seek out these formations as they indicate areas where the air is likely rising, allowing for more favorable flying conditions. Dave Pickett described how the cloud’s formation changed dramatically over the span of just ten minutes as the sun rose, altering the colors of the sky and the visibility of the cloud itself. He recounted that despite not being a professional photographer, he felt lucky to witness and capture the moment. His friend, who commented on his photographs, informed him about the nature of the cloud, leading to further reflection on similar cloud phenomena depicted in movies, specifically citing the film 'Nope.' Overall, the strange yet beautiful lenticular cloud over Manchester captivated many, leading some to briefly ponder an alien presence, before the reality of the meteorological explanation set in.