The Freaky Cloud Phenomenon You Need to See

Updated on Feb 24, 2015 at 4:58 PM

Alien invasion? Nope, it's just a big ol' gaping hole in the middle of a cloud. Everyone is going insane over the fallstreak hole cloud formation that appeared twice over the past two days in British Columbia, Canada. So what on earth is this extremely rare cloud formation? Also known as a hole punch cloud, canal cloud, or skypunch, a fallstreak hole is an expansive circular gap that appears on rare occasion.

The way they form is pretty fascinating. Meteorologist Eric Elwell explains it best: "Such holes are formed when the water temperature in the clouds is below freezing but the water has not frozen yet due to the lack of ice nucleation particles. When ice crystals do form it will set off a domino effect, due to the Bergeron process, causing the water droplets around the crystals to evaporate: this leaves a large, often circular, hole in the cloud."

Keep reading to check out all the mesmerizing photos British Columbians have been posting. The cloud looks like it's straight out of a science-fiction movie.

Even from a distance, the cloud stands out against the sky.

A closer look at the fallstreak cloud emphasizes how huge the circular space is.

British Columbians were in shock when the cloud appeared for a second day.

Check out this fascinating satellite image of how the cloud formed over British Colombia this week.