Noctilucent Clouds 2026

Noctilucent cloud season is upon us, This image was from this morning June 2 2026 from Northern Vancouver Island. These clouds are rare and a true test of how much patience you have. They're extremely hit and miss and timing is everything. When the sun is below the horizon between 6-16º you "Might" have a chance. You can see them after sunset and before sunrise. Basically means if you want to see them you wont be sleeping. During the summer months the mesosphere is at its coldest which means the setting or rising sun illuminates these high elevation clouds for a short period of time. They're the highest clouds in earths atmosphere upwards of 85km high. Theyre made up of micro dust from meteors, Water vapour and extreme cold temps (Ice crystals) upwards of -100 to -120ºC The morning display is always the best time to see them, The display is usually much larger and more visible than the sunset display. Unlike the Aurora, Noctilucent clouds are not affected by the moon and are visible to the naked eye. This image was taken with my Nikon Z9 and Nikon 70-200