Autumn - Evening 017

Altocumulus clouds appear in scales and can stretch across the sky or in patches like they are here. The scales are typically between 1 to 5 degrees in width. The name 'alto' means 'high', but they are in the mid-levels. There are also a few cumulus clouds. These appear a darker shade, because light is being blocked through the higher clouds and the sun is setting. The highest and thin clouds are cirrus and appear wispy. There are also cirrocumulus clouds (above the sun), and are similar to altocumulus, but higher in the sky and a smaller width.