Meteorologist Sean Batty has explained the appearance of noctilucent clouds after they were spotted glowing in Scotland's night sky, according to STV News.
The rare atmospheric phenomenon, sometimes called "space clouds," was visible over parts of Scotland on the evening of Sunday, July 26, 2026. STV News reported that Batty provided an explanation for the unusual sight.
Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in Earth's atmosphere, forming at altitudes of around 50 miles (80 kilometers) in the mesosphere. They are composed of ice crystals and are typically visible only during twilight hours, when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminates the cloud layer. According to STV News, Batty described these clouds as a rare event for the region.
The meteorologist's comments came after social media users shared images of the glowing formations, which appeared as bright, wispy streaks against the darkening sky. STV News did not provide further details on the specific locations or duration of the display.
Observers in Scotland are encouraged to look for similar phenomena during the summer months, when conditions are most favorable for noctilucent cloud formation.
