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Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

A Retreating Thunderstorm at Sunset

Explanation: What type of cloud is that? This retreating cumulonimbus cloud , more commonly called a thundercloud, is somewhat unusual as it contains the unusual bumpiness of a mammatus cloud on the near end, while simultaneously producing falling rain on the far end. Taken in mid-June in southern Alberta , Canada , the cloud is moving to the east, into the distance, as the sun sets in the west, behind the camera. In the above image , graphic sunset colors cross the sky to give the already photogenic cloud striking orange and pink hues. A darkening blue sky covers the background. Further in the distance, a rising , waxing , gibbous moon is visible on the far right.

Date August 28, 2013
Credit Image Credit & Copyright: Alan Dyer ( The Amazing Sky )
Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.