"The morning of July 26th was electric blue!" says Heiko Ulbricht of Freital, Saxony, Germany. "I woke up at 3 clock, looked out my bedroom window to the north and saw a stunning display of noctilucent clouds." Moments later, he dashed outside with a camera to record the view:

NLC's Over Germany
© Heiko UlbrichtImage Taken: Jul 26 2011
Location: Freital, Saxony, Germany
NLC's Over Germany_2
© Heiko UlbrichtImage Taken: Jul 26 2011
Location: Freital, Saxony, Germany
July has been an odd time for noctilucent clouds (NLCs). The month began with an extravagant display that stretched as far south as Colorado and Kansas--odd because NLCs are usually confined to higher latitudes. The event seemed to herald a period of widespread sightings. Observers were disappointed, though, when the clouds quickly retreated to their usual northern habitat. Could this German apparition signal renewed activity? Sky watchers at all latitudes should be alert for electric-blue ripples around sunrise and sunset. Observing tips may be found in the gallery.

More Images: From Timo Newton-Syms of Helsinki, Finland