May 5, 2013
You share your birthday with the light of distant galaxies that has been traveling for millions of years just to arrive here, now, alongside...
A Supercell Thunderstorm Cloud Over Montana
Birthday · May 5, 2013
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published May 5, 2013. Credit: Sean R. Heavey. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Is that a spaceship or a cloud? Although it may seem like an alien mothership, it's actually a impressive thunderstorm cloud called a supercell. Such colossal storm systems center on mesocyclones -- rotating updrafts that can span several kilometers and deliver torrential rain and high winds including tornadoes. Jagged sculptured clouds adorn the supercell's edge, while wind swept dust and rain dominate the center. A tree waits patiently in the foreground. The above supercell cloud was photographed in July west of Glasgow, Montana, USA, caused minor damage, and lasted several hours before moving on. Follow APOD on: Facebook (Daily) (Sky) (Spanish) or Google Plus (Daily) (River)
Image credit: Sean R. Heavey