STAR-GAZERS and weather watchers can look out for some strange clouds over the coming weeks.

Noctilusent clouds are visible to the north west 30-90 minutes after sunset, and 90-30 minutes before sunrise to the north east.

Normal clouds are usually up to five miles high.

Noctilusent clouds are formed from very small ice crystals 60 miles above the ground and illuminated in the upper atmosphere by the sun.

An East Essex Astronomy Club spokesman said: "They are only seen six weeks either side of the summer solstice.

"It depends on conditions in the upper atmosphere to actually form the clouds and the sun needs to be at a specific angle below the horizon.

"They can only be seen at latitudes between 50-65 degrees - further south and the sun angle isn’t right and further north and the sky doesn’t get dark enough."

For more, contact the East Essex Astronomy club on their facebook page.