A Supercell Thunderstorm Cloud Over Montana

Is that a spaceship or a cloud? Although it may seem like an alien mothership , it's actually a impressive thunderstorm cloud called a supercell . Such colossal storm systems center on mesocyclones -- rotating updrafts that can span several kilometers and deliver torrential rain and high winds including tornadoes . Jagged sculptured clouds adorn the supercell's edge , while wind swept dust and rain dominate the center. A tree waits patiently in the foreground. The above supercell cloud was photographed in 2010 July west of Glasgow , Montana , USA , caused minor damage, and lasted several hours before moving on. Today: Southern Hemisphere Solar Eclipse