If you were fascinated by the Great Red Spot of Jupiter, or diamond rains falling on Saturn, you might be in for a surprise. While other celestial bodies of the solar system do experience strange and unusual weather conditions, the Earth has not been left far behind. Take a look at ten mind-boggling weather phenomena experienced by our beloved planet Earth.
Frost Flowers
This rare and beautiful weather phenomenon is usually witnessed during early winters or autumn mornings. It takes place when thin layers of ice are pushed out from the stems of plants resulting into spectacular frozen petals. (Image Credit: sabinocanyon.net)
Sun Dogs
Sun dogs are usually seen when the sun is low. This phenomenon occurs when ice crystals result in the light to look brighter only when the sun is at a particular angle. (Image Credit: mprnews.com)
Snow Donuts
Well, we aren’t talking about a frosted donut. In fact, snow donut is a rare weather phenomenon, which usually occurs when the winds blow a chunk of snow along the ground. When the chunk comes to rest, the centre is blown away, resulting in a snow donut. (Image Credit: meteorologiaenred.com)
Mammatus Clouds
One of the rarest forms of clouds, mammatus clouds are composed mainly of ice. They are shaped like hanging pouches and are visible in the sky for around 10 to 15 minutes. These clouds are formed by sinking air. (Image Credit: Jeff Harrison)
Supercells
Supercells are one of the four types of storms and pose a lot of danger due to the extreme weather it generates. These storms are capable of sustaining themselves for a longer period of time, due to the vertical rotation of updraft. (Image Credit: youtube.com)
Belt of Venus
A rare but spectacular weather phenomena, the belt of Venus is visible when the atmosphere is dusty and cloudless. It is basically a pink to a brownish border, which further separates the dark shadow band of the earth from the sky. (Image Credit: howitworksdaily.com)
Moonbow
Moonbows are one of the rarest weather phenomena, and usually occur when rainbows are not produced by light reflected from the sun. Instead, the light is reflected from the moon making it a moonbow. (Image Credit: wikipedia.org)
Brinicle
Also known as icicles of death, Brinicles are icicles, which are formed underwater. These are usually formed when saline water is introduced to ocean water. (Image Credit: discovery.com)
Sprites, Elves and Blue Jets
One of the most beautiful weather phenomena, sprites, elves and blue jets are also known as Transient Luminous Events. These are colourful shapes and flashes that occur due to electric discharges from the atmosphere. (Image Credit: discovery.com)
Fire Rainbows
Fire rainbows are a rare cloud phenomenon, which are not rainbows or have no association with fire. They are given the name due to their colourful flame-like appearance. These are caused by light passing through high-altitude cirrus clouds. (Image Credit: discovery.com)
(Image Credit main: io9.com; Featured: telegraph.co.uk)
