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Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared mesmerizing images of Cavum clouds, also known as “hole-punch clouds” or “fallstreak holes,” as observed from space.

What are Cavum Clouds?

Formation Process: Cavum clouds are formed when airplanes traverse through layers of altocumulus clouds, which are mid-level clouds containing supercooled water droplets (water below freezing temperature but still in liquid form).
Adiabatic Expansion: As the aircraft moves through, a phenomenon called adiabatic expansion can occur, causing the water droplets to freeze into ice crystals.
Creation of Holes: These ice crystals eventually become too heavy and fall out of the cloud layer, resulting in the formation of a hole in the clouds.
Steep Angle Formation: Cavum clouds are typically formed when planes pass through at a relatively steep angle.

	Details
Appearance	Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds characterized by white or gray patches or layers.
Formation	They form between 2,000 to 7,000 meters (6,500 to 23,000 feet) above sea level.
Composition	Composed of water droplets and occasionally ice crystals.
Shape	Usually appear as rounded masses or rolls.
Weather Patterns	Often indicate fair weather, but can also precede thunderstorms or cold fronts.
Optical Effects	They can create a halo effect around the sun or moon when thin enough.
Classification	Altocumulus clouds are classified as “middle-level clouds” (based on their altitude in the atmosphere).
Associated Types	Altocumulus castellanus: Towering altocumulus clouds indicating instability and potential storminess.