Why Do Airplanes Leave Trails In The Sky
✈️ Why Do Airplanes Leave Trails in the Sky? ☁️
Ever wondered why jets create those white streaks across the sky?
-These are called contrails (short for condensation trails), and they form when hot exhaust from aircraft engines meets the cold air at high altitudes.
How it happens:👇
- Jet engines produce water vapor as a byproduct of burning fuel.
- At high altitudes (above 26,000 feet), temperatures can be as low as -40°C.
- When the hot exhaust mixes with this frigid air, the water vapor condenses and freezes into tiny ice crystals, creating visible trails.
Why do contrails look different?👇
- Their appearance depends on humidity and wind conditions.
- Some vanish quickly, while others spread out, forming cirrus-like clouds.
- Shadows and lighting can make parts of the contrail look different in size and brightness.
Contrails don’t just make the sky look cool—they also help scientists study atmospheric conditions! 🌎
