Massive UFO Cloud Over Manchester Resembles Alien Movie

A massive “lenticular cloud” that appeared over Manchester on Friday looked like something straight out of an alien movie. The rare formation was captured by amateur photographer Dave Pickett, 38, above Greenfield, near Oldham, Greater Manchester.

The Met Office explains that lenticular clouds typically form between 6,500 and 16,500 feet (1,980 to 5,030 meters) above the ground. These clouds are often considered one of the leading causes of UFO sightings worldwide.

Pickett shared, “I’ve dabbled in photography over the years, but I’m no expert. I’d never seen anything like this. A friend pointed out it was a lenticular cloud, which I’d never heard of before. It reminded me of ‘Nope,’ a movie with a cloud-like UFO that turned out to be a large balloon.”

Lenticular clouds form as air flows across mountain ranges, creating waves much like ripples in a river when water flows over an obstruction, such as a rock. If the air contains enough moisture, the rising air causes condensation, forming the cloud.

Greenfield, where the cloud appeared, lies near the Pennine Hills and Saddleworth Moor. The Met Office notes that pilots of powered aircraft usually avoid these clouds due to turbulence, although some glider pilots seek them out, as they indicate rising air currents.