BRIGHT OUTBREAK OF NOCTILUCENT CLOUDS: Nightfall is supposed to bring darkness. This week in parts of Europe, nightfall has brought something different: an electric-blue glow caused by clouds of water-frosted meteor smoke rippling over the continent. These summertime "noctilucent clouds" (NLCs) have been much brighter than usual and even seem to be causing strange radio echoes above the Arctic Circle. The sudden intensification of NLCs could herald more widespread sightings in Europe and North America in the nights ahead. Visit Spaceweather.com for observing tips and more information.
