A transient condensation cloud, also called a Wilson cloud, is observable surrounding large explosions in humid air. When a nuclear weapon or high explosive is detonated in sufficiently humid air, the "negative phase" of the shock wave causes a rarefaction of the air surrounding the explosion but not of the air contained within it.
A transient condensation cloud, also called a Wilson cloud, is observable surrounding large explosions in humid air. When a nuclear weapon or high explosive is detonated in sufficiently humid air, the "negative phase" of the shock wave causes a rarefaction of the air surrounding the explosion but not of the air contained within it.
Source: Wikipedia "Condensation cloud" · CC BY-SA 4.0
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