NASA Earth Observatory captures a rare sight: Fire Cloud with a Pileus Cap
NASA's Earth Observatory captured an intriguing sight on August 11, 2026, when an airborne MASTER sensor captured an image of a fire cloud with a pileus cap above the Sand Creek fire in Montana.
On August 11, 2026, scientists observed a rare phenomenon known as a “fire cloud” with a “pileus cap” above the Sand Creek fire in Montana. The image was taken by the MASTER sensor on NASA’s Earth Observatory.
The MASTER sensor captured a unique image of the Sand Creek fire in Montana, showcasing a rare and intriguing sight. The fire cloud, with its pileus cap, was observed during a flight over the area on August 11, 2026.
NASA Earth Observatory/Michala Garrison
On August 11, 2026, NASA's Earth Observatory captured an extraordinary sight above Montana. The MASTER sensor on the aircraft took an image of the Sand Creek fire, revealing a fire cloud with a pileus cap. The scientists were able to study the interaction between the fire cloud and the pileus cap, as well as the convective plumes above the fire.
NASA Earth Observatory/Michala Garrison
NASA Earth Observatory/Michala Garrison
NASA Earth Observatory/Michala Garrison
Title: NASA Earth Observatory Captures Fire Cloud with Pileus Cap Above Montana Wildfire
<small>Source: NASA — read the original story there.</small>
