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'New' Clouds Earn Atlas Recognition (bbc.com)
Twelve "new" types of cloud -- including the rare, wave-like asperitas cloud -- have been recognized for the first time by the International Cloud Atlas. From a report: The atlas, which dates back to the 19th Century, is the global reference book for observing and identifying clouds. Last revised in 1987, its new fully-digital edition includes the asperitas after campaigns by citizen scientists. Other new entries include the roll-like volutus, and contrails, clouds formed from the vapour trail of aeroplanes. Since its first publication in 1896, the International Cloud Atlas has become an important reference tool for people working in meteorological services, aviation and shipping. The first edition contained 28 coloured photographs and set out detailed standards for classifying clouds. The last full edition was published in 1975 with a revision in 1987, which quickly became a collector's item. Now, embracing the digital era, the new atlas will initially be available as a web portal, and accessible to the public for the first time.
I used to live and work in Cedar Rapids. I remember walking out of our office building in downtown on the day that the asperitas clouds were overhead. I remember thinking right away that there was something very unique about the clouds. I took a few pics and then used my BB messenger to alert my co-workers to come outside too (This was in 2006 when BlackBerry reigned). It was a spectacular sight! It sounds cheesy but it seriously was amazing. I spent the rest of my lunch hour catching glimpses of the sky until the formation started to dissipate. It looked like rough seas with high waves, upside down and hanging over the city. In all of my travels since, I've never seen that cloud formation again. I would love to though. It was an incredible sight!