Circular features of one sort or another are often seen in clouds, and there are many and varied explanations for them. The “donut cloud” shown in this photograph is a collapsed cumulus column surrounded by cumulonimbus. Prior to collapse it would have looked as majestic and imposing as those in slides #6 and #7.

STS 51-I, August-September 1985. Picture. #27-39-031.

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