Ever since Tropical Depression Felicia passed through the islands of Hawai`i earlier this week the summit of Mauna Kea has seen some unusual conditions for this time of year. It's rare we get fog and high humidity during the summer (although it happens) and this evening, hopefully, the last of Felicia's remnants will leave the summit. We were even treated to some thunder and lightning this afternoon at Hale Pohaku and arrived at the summit to find clouds surrounding us, but as soon as the sun began to set these clouds started to dissipate and drop below summit level. One particular stubborn cloud remained though, but it allowed for a sunset photograph of Submillimeter Valley and our neighbour, the persevering cloud.With the clouds now gone and conditions rather good for observing, it looks as though this is going to be a long night of data-taking.
3 comments:
The weather patterns down below are rather odd as well. I love to observe the clouds as I drive around the island. Usually they follow one of several normal patterns. Not tonight, some very odd weather thanks to the stir of energy and moisture left behind by Felicia.
I have never seen clouds like this. That bright red "plume" is so striking!
Not sure I've seen anything quite like that before, Keera, so I took quite a few photos of it. It was definitely striking, as you say!
Andrew - it's certainly been an unusual last few days at the summit, but missed most of the excitement lower down. Before I went up it was *really* hot and sticky.
Once the clouds clear the summit though around sunset the observing conditions have been superb.
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