Cirrus cloud
Look for detached, fibrous or hair-like forms with substantial sky visible through and around them.
Field Atlas
Start with what the sky is doing visually.
Filter by phenomenon family or scale. The atlas favors observable structure and comparison over decorative labels.
Cirrostratus veil
A broad whitish veil may cover much of the sky while the Sun or Moon remains visible; a halo can be an important clue.
Cumulus cloud
Detached clouds with a relatively flat base and rounded, cauliflower-like upper portions are a common visual form.
Cumulonimbus storm cloud
Large vertically developed towers may spread into an anvil aloft. Thunder or lightning moves the observation into a safety context.
Fog near the ground
Visibility is reduced by suspended droplets at or near the surface. Terrain, water, wind and time of day can be clues but are not a complete diagnosis.
Rain shaft
Look for vertical or slanted streaks connecting cloud base toward the surface; distance and lighting can make a shaft appear denser or lighter.
Virga fallstreaks
Streaks or shafts appear to taper, fade or terminate above the surface. Perspective can be deceptive, so ground contact should not be guessed from a distant image.
Snow crystal
At close range, crystals can show plates, columns, needles or branching forms. Individual shapes record a complex growth path through the cloud.
Lightning channel
Visible flashes may occur inside a cloud or connect cloud and ground. If thunder is audible, treat the situation as hazardous rather than as an observation exercise.
Rainbow arc
A primary rainbow appears opposite the Sun when suitable droplets are present; the arc is observer-dependent rather than a fixed object in one place.
22° halo
Look for a ring centered on the light source; only part may be visible when cirriform cloud is limited. Never stare directly at the Sun.
Aurora curtain
Aurora can appear as arcs, bands, rays or diffuse glows, often at high latitudes; visibility depends on space weather, darkness, cloud cover and local viewing conditions.
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