Rare Noctilucent Clouds Return: How to See the Night-Shining Skies This Summer

Noctilucent clouds — the rare, high-altitude night-shining ice clouds — have begun their 2026 season. They’re best seen from mid- to high-latitudes after sunset or before dawn, with a peak typically in July. Recent sightings have been reported in Kennewick, Washington and Flensburg, Germany. These clouds form from ice crystals about 50 miles up in the mesosphere and reflect sunlight long after twilight, producing silver-blue wisps in the darkening sky.