You Won't Believe These Astounding Nature Photos Are Real

Mammatus Clouds

Mammatus clouds, or mammary clouds, earned their name because they resemble udders. These clouds often appear along with severe stormy weather or tornados; pilots avoid them due to turbulence. They are formed by cold air sinking in pockets, causing their unique shape as hot air rises in tandem. These clouds were first sighted in 1894. They may be pretty, but they're definitely bad news.

Hard Rime

This brave man scaled a cell phone tower to do maintenance after an ice storm. When condensed water droplets freeze on surfaces, it is known as hard rime. Hard rime forms in the direction of the wind. It can often be found on planes, trees, towers, and other tall structures that are exposed to the elements.

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The More You Know

  • Saint Patrick's Day began as a "feast day". To honor him, Christians could put aside their Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol consumption, which is why excessive drinking has become linked to the celebration.
  • A U.S. park ranger named Roy C. Sullivan held the record for being struck by lightning the most times, having been struck — and surviving — seven times between 1942 and 1977.
  • It costs the U.S. Mint almost twice as much to mint each penny and nickel as the coins are actually worth. Taxpayers lost over $100 million in 2013 just through the coins being made.
  • In 1923, jockey Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park in New York despite being dead — he suffered a heart attack mid-race but his body stayed in the saddle until his horse crossed the line for a 20–1 outsider victory.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.