Signs and Wonders—The incredible Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), thought to be the most beautiful clouds on our planet, seen over Europe last week were due to record-breaking cold in our stratosphere. . . Major quake watch for North Pacific

First documented appearance of Polar stratospheric clouds over Switzerland and Italy, seen from Brissago, Ticino, Switzerland 22 December 2023. Author—Karin Switzerland.

The incredible Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), thought to be the most beautiful clouds on our planet, suddenly exploded over Europe last week due to record-breaking cold in our stratosphere—According to NASA's MERRA-2, temperatures in the Arctic stratosphere hit a 40-year record low for December—Normally, the stratosphere has no clouds at all. But when the temperature drops to a staggeringly low -85 C, widely-spaced water molecules coalesce into ice crystals and PSCs begin to form. Normally PSCs are confined to the Arctic where the stratosphere is the coldest. However, the record-breaking cold stratosphere made sure the magnificent clouds could be seen in many parts of Europe. 

Above is a screen grab from Earthwindmap showing a temp of minus 77 deg C, (minus 106 deg F) at 70 hPa on Christmas Eve in Scandinavia.

According to NASA satellite data, the record-cold spell in our stratosphere is over which is good news for the northern hemisphere. A warmer stratosphere indicates the polar vortex is weakening.

According to Spaceweather.com—2024 could begin with a geomagnetic storm. NOAA forecasters say that minor G1-class storms are possible on Jan. 1st.

Major Quake Watch. . .

Possible chance of a major quake/s in these low-pressure areas in the North Pacific, credit, EarthWindMap.

Homer

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