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This week's new questions

13 May 2020

At any one time, how much of Earth is covered by cloud? Does this vary? Andrew Parsons, Welford, Northants, UK

See the northern lights or aurora borealis: Follow this easy guide

4 December 2019

Winter is the best time to see the amazing phenomenon of the polar lights, when solar particles stream into Earth's atmosphere

The Leonid meteor shower peaks this week: Here's how to see it

13 November 2019

Earth passes through a comet's trail this week, producing a beautiful display of meteors in the night sky. Find out where to look and how to get the best view

Inside the powerful fire clouds that pack a volcanic punch

4 September 2019

This rare image shows massive pyrocumulonimbus clouds that form above fires and can funnel as much smoke into the lower stratosphere as moderate volcanic eruptions

These strange lines of cloud are seeded by pollution from ships

21 February 2018

Much as an aeroplane leaves contrails, streaks of white cloud condense onto the tiny particles thrown into the air by the exhausts of travelling ships