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NatureSurprise 4/5Difficulty 3/5Reviewed on September 15, 2026

Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in the atmosphere and glow at night.

Why it is true

These clouds form in the mesosphere, about 80 kilometres altitude, where temperatures are extremely low. They are composed of ice crystals that reflect sunlight from below the horizon, creating a silver-blue glow visible after sunset.

Source: NOAA

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