BOULDER, Colo. — No, aliens are not invading Boulder, but excellent cloud formations may be.
Dozens of eagle-eyed cloud hawks spotted a formation over the foothills that was interpreted by many to be spaceship-shaped.
According to experts, the cloud can be clearly identified as an Altocumulus lenticularis — more commonly known as a lenticular cloud.
The clouds, according to Denver7 Chief First Alert Meteorologist Mike Nelson, are formed when wind flows from west to east over the mountains. Moisture from the air drops as air falls rapidly into the foothills, leading to the interesting formation.
Some scientists suggest the cloud formations can be attributed to many unexplained sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cloud spotted over Boulder — while conveniently shaped — was easily identified in the morning light.
When spotting a lenticular cloud, especially during the weekend, you might notice few planes nearby. They tend to avoid the turbulence, although glider pilots sometimes seek out the cloud formation for the swift air current, which can help them achieve speed and altitude gains.
