A spectacular moment when disc-shaped clouds resembling an alien spaceship formed above a mountain in southern Vietnam went viral on social media in the country on Thursday.
Images of the rare natural phenomenon were captured at Ba Den Mountain in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh, which borders Ho Chi Minh City, by local resident Do Vinh Quan.
Quan said he took the pictures of the clouds at around 6:00 am on his way to work before sharing them on his social media account.
Some online users humorously described the image of clouds as a giant mushroom or an unidentified flying object (UFO).Â
The natural phenomenon is known as lenticular clouds, according to Le Dinh Quyet, deputy head of the forecasting department at the Southern Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
They are dense, stationary clouds which are caused by sudden air movements and are often found near hills or mountains.Â
|
|
| Lenticular clouds are seen atop Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, November 24, 2022. Photo: Do Vinh Quan |
As moist and stable air flows over a larger eddy, like those caused by mountains, and temperatures drop below the dew point, lenticular clouds can form.
The occurrence of lenticular clouds is not rare, according to Quyet, but the shape of a flying saucer is infrequent.
|
|
| Lenticular clouds are seen atop Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, November 24, 2022. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain |
Quyet added that lenticular clouds are expected to form over Ba Den Mountain for the remainder of the month.
The flying saucer-shaped clouds recurred early on Friday morning, according to a photo provided to Tuoi Tre News by Ta Ngoc Anh, another local.
|
|
| Clouds cover the top of Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, November 24, 2022. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain |
Standing at 986 meters above sea level, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province has been dubbed the roof of Vietnam’s southern region.Â
Viewed from a distance, the mountain stands out against the blue sky and is sometimes hidden behind clouds and fog.
|
|
| Lenticular clouds are seen atop Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, November 25, 2022. Photo: Ta Ngoc Anh |
From the base to the top of the mountain, visitors can stop by and explore temples, pagodas, caves, and towers, with local architecture – a mix of Buddhist and folklore culture – that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Painting contest held for buffaloes joining ploughing festival in Ha Nam
A buffalo painting contest for the Doi Son Tich Dien (ploughing) Festivalwas held on February 10, or the sixth day of the Lunar New Year in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, the northern province of Ha Nam.
Pho Hien folk cultural festival kicks off in Hung Yen
The Pho Hien Folk Cultural Festival opened in the northern province of Hung Yen on April 21.
Sam Son sea festival slated for April 21
The 2018 sea festival of Sam Son city of the north central coastal province of Thanh Hoa will take place on April 21, heard a press conference held in the city on April 12.
Ha Long Carnival opens in Quang Ninh
The Ha Long Carnival, a highlight of the Ha Long – Quang Ninh tourism week 2019, opened in Bai Chay and Hon Gai tourism area in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 28.
Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ancient beauty amidst majestic scenery
Covering 5,100 ha, Tam Chuc complex is a perfect combination of ancient beauty and the mighty of the immense mountain.
