Luftkreise

Luftkreise is a term of German origin that translates to "air circles" or "aerial circles." It is most commonly associated with a historical meteorological phenomenon, specifically a type of cloud formation observed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These formations were described as distinct, ring-like or circular clouds that appeared in the atmosphere, often at high altitudes.

The precise scientific understanding of Luftkreise evolved over time, with various explanations proposed. Some attributed them to specific atmospheric conditions, such as unusual wind patterns or pressure systems, while others suggested optical illusions or the presence of rare atmospheric particles. Early observations were often made by amateur meteorologists and pilots, who documented these unusual sights in their journals and reports.

While the term "Luftkreise" itself is not widely used in modern meteorology, the underlying phenomena it described are now understood within the broader context of cloud physics and atmospheric dynamics. Specific cloud types, such as lenticular clouds, which can form in circular or lens-like shapes due to wave activity in the atmosphere, share some visual characteristics with the historical descriptions of Luftkreise. The study of such formations contributed to the ongoing development of meteorological science and our understanding of atmospheric processes.