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22 December 2011
Last updated at
17:14
In pictures: Rare lenticular clouds over West Yorkshire
Rare lens-shaped lenticular clouds have been observed in the skies over many parts of West Yorkshire, including over Holmfirth.
More properly known as Altocumulus Lenticularis, the cloud formations on show over places like Denholme (above) were described by BBC Look North's weather presenter and climate correspondent Paul Hudson as a "fabulous display".
Lenticular clouds are mostly seen near large mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Andes and Rocky Mountains. These clouds however were photographed over the heart of Leeds city centre.
Mr Hudson said the clouds, like these over Sowerby Bridge, were caused by "stable but moist air which has travelled across the Pennines, causing a standing wave to become established".
Lenticular clouds, like these seen over Baildon Moor, West Yorkshire, are said to be the single biggest explanation for UFO sightings across the world.
Lenticular clouds were also seen over the moors at Oxenhope near Bradford. Mr Hudson said: "The bigger the hill or mountain range the air travels across, the more spectacular the lenticular cloud".
Many photographs of the clouds were sent in to BBC Yorkshire. Some people were shocked to see what they described as "UFO clouds" in the sky, including here in Horsforth, Leeds.
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