Noctilucent Clouds: A Subtle Summer Encounter (June 29, 2025)

On the evening of June 29, 2025, we had a quiet encounter with one of nature’s rarest and most ethereal phenomena: noctilucent clouds (NLCs). While these shimmering clouds are often described as “night-shining,” this particular display was subtle—barely visible to the naked eye, but beautifully captured by the camera.

The Challenge of the View

Living where the northern horizon is hidden by houses and trees, spotting noctilucent clouds isn’t easy. Our garden offers no view to the north, which is where NLCs typically appear, glowing above the twilight. So, our only option was to peer through the bedroom window, hoping for a glimpse of these elusive clouds.

The Experience

Every night when we go to bed, we scanned the sky from the window.  The clouds weren’t bright or dramatic, but their presence was unmistakable. They formed subtle, glowing patterns against the darkening sky, a quiet reminder of the mysterious processes happening high above our heads—some 80 kilometers up, at the edge of space.

Why Noctilucent Clouds Matter

Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in Earth’s atmosphere, forming when water vapor freezes onto dust particles at the edge of space. They’re most often seen in late June and July, glowing after sunset when the Sun is just below the horizon. Their appearance is always special, a fleeting gift of the northern summer.

Capturing the Moment

This year’s display wasn’t the brightest, but it was a rewarding challenge. Sometimes, the most meaningful observations are the ones you have to work for—peering through a window, adjusting camera settings, and waiting for the faintest glow to appear. The camera revealed what the eye could barely see, turning a quiet evening into a small adventure.