There is no doubt that Northumbria has more cloudy days than sunny. And whilst it is easy to talk negatively about the British weather, there might be more to cloudy days than you may think!
A Tale of Time
Cloud spotting has been an activity since the Ancient Greeks when clouds were once believed to be daughters of the gods. The daughters role was to collect the water from the clouds and then take them to the heavens. However sometimes their pitchers overflowed, and rain fell from the sky, nourishing our planet.
Even today clouds have a variety of different meanings across the world. In the UK, we associate a cloud on the horizon as a bad omen to come. Whereas in Iran clouds are considered lucky, so a common blessing is to say ‘I hope your sky is always filled with clouds’.
Cloud Spotting
Around 67% of Earth’s surface at any point is covered by cloud
– NASA Earth Observatory
For both adults and children, watching those clouds drift and shift is more than just a pastime – it evokes the imagination and creativity. It might at first glance look like daydreaming, but the art of cloud watching is actually deemed a powerful exercise in mindfulness and imagination. Psychologists suggest it can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting mental clarity.
All you need is a patch of sky and a moment to observe, the world above. One second a cloud can look like a galloping horse; the next, a palm tree, and then a thin wisp of nothing. Let your imagination roam: create a story from the shapes you see, follow how the clouds interact, and see if their movements can become part of your tale. Why not take it turns in being the storyteller and watch how everyone’s imagination turns the cloud shapes into their own adventures!
Weather Predicting
Clouds don’t have to just be stories though. Why not try predicting the weather from them? White cotton-like clouds normally indicate good weather, however, can sometimes lead to a thunderstorm on a humid day. Whereas flat, grey clouds, are often an indication of rain. In fact, these clouds are grey because they are full of water. So if you see one of these on the horizon it might be wise to seek cover in the comfort of the safari dry robes or under the roof of the safari vehicle.
Cloud watching can even predict the quality of the sunset! Typically, the best sunsets require mid-level and high reaching clouds. As this helps the sun’s rays reflect back towards the ground, creating a more colourful sky. High clouds will make a stronger, more intense sunset, one of picture worthy quality! Ingram Valley Summer Astronomy Sunset Safaris are a great way to see elusive noctilucent clouds, also known as night shining clouds. This phenomena is amongst the rarest and most delicate observation in the night sky and creates a striking contrast against the black sky.
Here at the Farm
So next time you feel overwhelmed or uninspired, take a few minutes to step outside, lie back and look up. There might be more up there than you think. Our open air traxters are designed to encourage you to embrace the outdoors. So why not have a peak to the sky on your safari and point out what you can see. See who can see the most creative shapes and stories on your safari as you journey across the landscape!
The sky isn’t only worth watching in the daylight – there’s just as much to discover after dark. Explore the wonders of Northumbria’s night sky and what our sky looks like in the evening with Ingram Valley Astronomy evenings! Come and make the most of some of the darkest most unpolluted skies in England and watch how our skies come alive at night.
