2006-11-28 20:03:00 · 8 answers · asked by robert p 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
It's just condensation of the water vapor in the engine's exhaust. Under normal atmospheric conditions, the relative humidity at altitude is very low and the water vapor evaporates almost instantly. However, when the relative humidity is abnormally high it condenses into a visible cloud and may remain visible for several hours.
2006-11-28 23:06:51 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can answer this one by experience as I was on a flight from Orlando, FL to St. Louis, MO and my flight was struck and it did a nice little surge and steam off the area it struck, but that was about it. I am a Engine and Avionics technician and I was crapping my pants as its no big deal till it happens to you type deal. Airlines have such detailed grounding throughout that it has little resistance and it has its entry and exit point with every little disprution or issues. They actually had a demo on the news the other day on research on lighting strikes on the aircraft and it was pretty informative. Google aircraft lightning strikes and just browse the net you will see several actual photage and results and comments on what it can do and basically why its not much of a worry unless something isnt grounded correctly.
2016-05-23 01:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called a "CONTRAIL", condensation of moisture from combustion in the engine trails out with the exhaust gases leaving the engine. The water vapor freezes at the high altitude, leaving a white cloud behind, this can be quite dramatic at sunrise, or sunset in a clear sky, very cool too (I think), I look for them a lot !
2006-11-28 21:34:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a condensation trail because when the aircraft is that high there is moisture in the air and when the air goes through the engine the water particles get close together and form a cloud.....a typically very short lasting cloud but it still is a cloud!
2006-11-28 22:28:52 · answer #4 · answered by Tyler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the same as the steam coming out of your car's exhaust on a cold morning.
2006-11-28 20:06:42 · answer #5 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is the exhaust emissions from the engines freezing.
2006-11-28 20:06:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the government trying to control the weather...
2006-11-29 00:03:04 · answer #7 · answered by barfoeng 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's coming from passengers flushing the toilet
2006-11-28 23:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋