The lenticular cloud over Bay of Plenty tonight:
In 2016, a lenticular cloud sparked panic in Northland after it was mistaken for an "alien spaceship trying to enter the atmosphere".
Hovering off Ruakaka Beach, the oval cloud was pink and initially locals believed it was the ship's red-hot hull.
At the time, MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said the clouds were often associated with spaceships because of their smooth edges.
There needs to be enough moisture in the air for the wind to make sure the waves condense to form lenticular clouds, Murray said.
The lenticular cloud in 2016 over Northland. Photo / File