Orion Constellation

This hand held photo of the constellation Orion was taken about an hour after the Moon ended its occultation of the planet Mars on the evening of December 7th (2022). Orion’s nearly vertical belt is plainly visible just right of center between the Altocumulus wave type clouds. A thin streak of light is visible just to the right of the wave cloud farthest to the lower left. It is likely from an aircraft flying toward the east.

These altocumulus have formed in a mid-level layer of moist air where wavy air motion reaches a peak. The flow is right to left. The clear sky between the clouds occurs where the waves are sinking. The alternation rising and sinking air creates a series of clouds and clear strips.

Photo copyright 2022 by Craig Johnson, Weather Briefing, LC