Ask John- What Are Those White Streaks Caused By Planes?
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Posted: 10:43 AM Nov 15, 2009
Ask John- What Are Those White Streaks Caused By Planes?
Frankie from Tallahassee has had his eye on the sky, and he saw something that looks like a cloud...or was it? So he asked me about it: On a very clear day we can sometimes see these long streaks of clouds that come from jets. They linger in the sky. Are they considered clouds or what?
Reporter: John Rogers
Email Address: john.rogers@wctv.tv
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Many times when a plane is flying high in the sky, it leaves long white streaks that last for hours.

And Frankie, scientists say these are in fact clouds, they're called 'contrails'.

The word is short for condensation trail.

Scientists say this is normally caused by the hot exhaust coming from a jet plane.

Scientists say the air high in the sky is low in temperature and has low vapor pressure.

So when the hot humid air from the jet exhaust mixes with it, a cloud is formed, creating the long streaks that you see from the ground.

Another kind of contrail is formed by the jet's wing.

Scientists say air moves over the wing really fast and cools in the low temperature.

The cool air can't hold much water, so a lot of it condenses and forms a contrail.

Thanks for your question Frankie!

If any of you have an interesting question you'd like answered...ask me!

Send it to my inbox at John.Rogers@wctv.tv

Let me know your name and where you're from and if you're lucky....I'll answer it LIVE next Sunday!

Latest Comments

Posted by: GV Location: Ga on Nov 17, 2009 at 03:25 PM

I see what you are saying,I just don't think the gov't is creating "chem trails"out of planes.However,with the current admin,I surely wouldn't doubt it.
Posted by: Atmosfear on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

weather manipulation tis all it is. "normal" contrails dissipate. Chemtrails spread and block the beautiful natural sky. My freedoms and yours are going away. Population control will make that easier. Research on your own, you will find disturbing facts if you are willing to accept them.
Posted by: GV Location: Ga on Nov 17, 2009 at 09:33 AM

Atmosfear,what is there to beleive.It is not a beleif,it is a fact.What does this have to do with chem trails?Just curious.I guess you are referring to a beleif that you have,and I have know idea what you are trying to say.Oh well,you do have that freedom,enjoy it,before they are taken away.
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