Celestial Enigma: Keck Observatory Veiled in Mystery аmіd UFO-Inspired Clouds Igniting Astronomical ѕрeсᴜɩаtіoп in Hawaii

On March 8, observers glimpsed clouds resembling UFOs hovering in the skies above the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes in Hawaii. The captivating images were captured from the vantage point of the W. M. Keck Observatory, situated near the summit of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea. These photographs depict lenticular clouds, typically formed downwind of hills or mountains as strong winds flow over and around rough terrain.

Today, we spotted UFO look-alikes! Take a look at these stunning photos captured by several Keck Observatory staff members, showcasing flying saucer-shaped lenticular clouds hovering near Maunakea and Mauna Loa. The observatory shared on Twitter on March 8, “Did you see them too?” Lenticular clouds, scientifically referred to as altocumulus standing lenticularus, typically form in the troposphere—the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere—parallel to the wind direction, contributing to their captivating and otherworldly appearance.

A spiral-shaped cloud is illuminated in vivid red and gold hues as the sun sets above a mountain. These peculiar-looking clouds, sometimes mistaken for UFOs due to their smooth saucer-like shape, have formed in the vicinity of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. These volcanoes, rising above 13,000 feet (3,960 meters) in elevation, force strong winds to flow over and around their peaks. Consequently, this phenomenon creates atmospheric waves just downwind of both summits.

A sizable saucer-shaped cloud hovers above a tree-lined road. The images were captured by observatory staff members, namely Rick Krejci, a software engineer; Sherry Yeh, a staff astronomer; Avinash Surendran, a postdoctoral fellow; and Arina Rostopchina, an observing assistant.