Rare clouds spotted in Florida

This morning, rare clouds were spotted in Florida after a SpaceX launch. These incredible noctilucent clouds were spotted in Tallahassee, Fla. Here's what to know about these mysterious clouds.

Noctilucent clouds are a fascinating and rare atmospheric phenomenon visible during twilight, typically in the summer at high latitudes. While these clouds occur naturally in higher latitudes during the warmer months, they can also appear after rocket launches, as seen on Wednesday morning in Florida.

Noctilucent clouds are made up of ice crystals. When a rocket launches, it leaves behind exhaust trails that contain water vapor and tiny ice particles. These particles spread into the mesosphere, where temperatures drop to around -180 degrees Fahrenheit. The water freezes, creating icy, noctilucent clouds.

These incredible iridescent clouds shine brightly in the pre-dawn or post-sunset hours. Since they are so high up in the atmosphere, they can be seen for up to 500 miles away under good viewing conditions. If you want to see a rocket-induced noctilucent cloud, watch for launches an hour or two before sunrise or after sunset. Check the WeatherRadar for viewing conditions in your area.