See rare noctilucent clouds light up the skies over northern England

Early-morning risers were treated to a rare and stunning show in the skies north of Newcastle in England.

Rare noctilucent clouds, which can only be seen when the sun is below the horizon, illuminated the dawn and provided the perfect opportunity for these snaps.

Rare noctilucent clouds over Tynemouth Priory.  Image by: Owen Humphreys/PA

Noctilucent clouds and their accompanying electric blue sky  are normally visible in the weeks around summer solstice.

The vivid blue sky over Whitley Bay beach. Image by: Owen Humphreys/PA

 

The word noctilucent is from the Latin words nocti and lucent, meaning night and shining.

 

 

The clouds sit up to 53 miles above the Earth’s surface and are made of ice crystals and are a part of the pervasive polar cloud layer.

 

 

They are most commonly seen in summer months, between 50 degrees and 65 degrees north or south of the Equator, but you have to be up early as they slip out of view as the sun rises.