Become an expert at spotting clouds—in one week

While most clouds form when water droplets condense around tiny airborne particles such as sea salt, the ice crystals in cirrus clouds form on metallic particles or mineral dust blown aloft from arid regions such as the Gobi and Sahara deserts.  

In Latin, cirrus describes a lock of hair, a tuft of horsehair, or feathers atop a bird’s head.  

The water droplets and ice crystals within clouds can reflect and refract light to create eye-catching visual displays. In addition to creating brilliant spectacles as the sun rises and sets, cirrus clouds can create “halos” around the sun or moon and even phenomena such as “sun dogs,” bright spots of light that appear on either side of the sun. 

Think you could identify a cirrus cloud? It’s time to practice your cloud-spotting skills. 

Want to experience more wonder? National Geographic’s Wonder List features playful prompts and activities that turn everyday moments into wonder-filled discoveries—for families, anywhere, every day.