Can clouds form in space?

Most of Earth’s clouds get their start in deep space. That’s the surprising conclusion from a team of researchers who argue that interstellar cosmic rays collide with water molecules in our atmosphere to form overcast skies. As common as clouds are on Earth, the processes that produce them are not well understood.

What are those clouds in space?

The Short Answer: A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. Some nebulae (more than one nebula) come from the gas and dust thrown out by the explosion of a dying star, such as a supernova.

Why does it look like clouds in space?

The glowing clouds that you see in pictures from space are called emission nebulas. These nebulas absorb the light of nearby stars and reach very high temperatures. The high temperature causes them to glow. Emission nebulas are often found in regions of space where new stars are forming.

How do clouds form rain?

Within a cloud, water droplets condense onto one another, causing the droplets to grow. When these water droplets get too heavy to stay suspended in the cloud, they fall to Earth as rain. Water vapor turns into clouds when it cools and condenses—that is, turns back into liquid water or ice.

Why are there clouds?

Clouds are created when water vapor, an invisible gas, turns into liquid water droplets. These water droplets form on tiny particles, like dust, that are floating in the air. The same thing is constantly happening with oceans, lakes, rivers, swamps, swimming pools – and everywhere water is in contact with air.

Will there be rain if there are no clouds?

Because rain forms when droplets of condensed moisture grow large enough to descend quickly into the air, their absence can make it impossible for rain to occur. That means if there are no clouds overhead, rain cannot happen as well.

Do satellites show us the clouds over Earth?

INFRARED IMAGERY: Infrared satellite pictures show clouds in both day and night. Instead of using sunlight to reflect off of clouds, the clouds are identified by satellite sensors that measure heat radiating off of them. The sensors also measure heat radiating off the surface of the earth.

Do you see clouds moving from space?

The clouds can be seen moving but of course it’s subtle at first glance. They are moving, but not fast enough to notice at the distance shown.