Not Undulatus Asperatus (Source: Geo Davis)
The photograph above with mountain ranges and cloud ranges does not illustrate Undulatus Asperatus. Though high in the image, almost directly overhead, there’s a hint of the phenomenon. Or perhaps not. Ever since learning about Undulatus Asperatus (and watching the window below) I’ve been hunting for the pulsing cloud underbelly.
The contrasts and textures above belong to the Lake Champlain Valley, looking toward the Adirondacks less than five minutes from Rosslyn. Wide open spaces. Layers upon layers of wide open spaces. But not Undulatus Asperatus. This video, on the other hand, is the real deal. Meet Undulatus Asperatus.
What is Undulatus Asperatus?
[Undulatus Asperatus refers to] localized waves in the cloud base, either smooth or dappled with smaller features, sometimes descending into sharp points, as if viewing a roughened sea surface from below. Varying levels of illumination and thickness of cloud can lead to dramatic visual effects.” — Gavin Pretor-Pinney (Source: The Verge)
After a droughty summer, often scorching days with bluebird dome above, recent days have brought the rain so long absent. Brown grass is greening. Vegetables in the garden are swelling. And the sky is pulsing and throbbing with clouds. Not Undulatus Asperatus clouds, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled. Sky gazing. Hoping. Wondering.