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Cloud Resembling Flaming UFO Illuminates Livermore Skies

It looks like the mothership's on fire, but it's actually a lenticular cloud - hopefully.

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Michael Wittner, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Lenticular clouds, also known as altocumulus lenticularis, are lens-shaped clouds that form when stable, moist air flows over a mountain or hill.
Lenticular clouds, also known as altocumulus lenticularis, are lens-shaped clouds that form when stable, moist air flows over a mountain or hill. (Glenn Stewart)

LIVERMORE, CA — Livermore residents may have thought they were on the verge of an alien invasion when what looked like a flaming UFO hit the skies a few days ago.

But nope, it wasn't a burning mothership - it was a lenticular cloud at sunset. Lenticular clouds, also known as altocumulus lenticularis, are lens-shaped clouds that form when stable, moist air flows over a mountain or hill. The air gets pushed up, cools down, and condenses into a cloud. At least we hope this is what it was.

A big thank you to Glenn Stewart for sharing this jaw-dropping photo with Patch. If you'd like us to feature one of your photos of life in Livermore - be it UFOs, clouds, sunsets, or a crazy mix of all three - email Michael.wittner@patch.com.

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