Linssimäisinä

Linssimäisinä is a Finnish term that translates to "lenticular" in English, often used in the context of clouds. Lenticular clouds are distinct, lens-shaped clouds that form in the troposphere. They typically appear as smooth, saucer-like shapes, though they can also manifest as almonds, eggs, or even flattened spheres.

These clouds are commonly found near mountains or other large topographical features. They form when moist air flows over an obstacle, such as a mountain range, and is forced upward. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds. The characteristic lens shape arises from the wave-like pattern the air creates as it descends on the leeward side of the obstacle. This process, known as orographic lift, can create stationary waves in the atmosphere, and lenticular clouds often form at the crests of these waves.

Linssimäisinä clouds are not associated with precipitation and are generally short-lived, dissipating as the air continues to move. Their formation requires specific atmospheric conditions, including a stable atmosphere and a steady wind flow. Due to their unusual and often striking appearance, they are sometimes mistaken for UFOs.