Storm clouds build over Sierra in this photo submitted by Kathy Chipman Wicker.
The Sports Aviation Foundation is hosting an evening with Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society 6-8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12.
“Spend an evening with your head in the clouds,” dinner organizers said. “Join the Founder and member No. 001 of the Cloud Appreciation Society, Gavin Pretor-Pinney as he takes you on an illustrated tour of the sky.”
Pretor-Pinney will discuss clouds from fair-weather cotton tufts known as cumulus, to the flying-saucer shaped lenticularis (famously common here in Carson Valley), and the fleeting cloud undulations called fluctus.
“Learn how the sky has played a cameo role throughout the history of art, how clouds reveal the movements of our atmosphere, and why spending a few moments each day with your head in the clouds helps keep your feet on the ground,” organizers said. “You will learn how cloud identification can help you forecast the weather; how the simple ingredient water explains why clouds feel so dynamic, evocative and magical; and why cloud-spotting is the perfect antidote to the pressures of the digital world”
Based in Pretor-Pinney’s hometown of Somerset, U.K., the society started as a hobby, now boasts more than 65,000 members worldwide.
“The Cloud Appreciation Society is part whimsy with a solid dose of science,” organizers said. “Did you know the World Meteorological Organization has recognized a new cloud designation, aspiratas, based on the hard work of (society) cloud-spotters?
The Sports Aviation Foundation is a Minden-based 501(c)3 supporting all aspects of general aviation.
Pre-purchase tickets on Eventbrite.com For more information contact Linda Mae Hivert (775) 225-4951 or Laurie Ricardi (775) 790-4394.
