Sky companion
Cloud identifier
Step outside, look up, and answer a few quick questions. The identifier matches what you see to one of the ten cloud types in the Cloud Journal, and tells you how to be sure.
Best match
The ten cloud types
The World Meteorological Organization sorts clouds into ten main types, by height and shape. Tick each one as you see it. Your list stays in this browser only.
The finger test works because cloud height shows up as size: hold your hand out at arm’s length and the same-sized cloudlet looks smaller the higher it is. Real skies often hold two or three types at once, at different heights. Answer for the one you are looking at, and run the identifier again for the next.
Never look straight at the sun. To check for a halo or how the sun shows through cloud, stand in the shade of a building or cover the sun with your hand.