Our readers' best pictures from 'UFO' cloud over Oldham

The cloud shocked residents around Saddleworth, where the cloud was spotted, but isn't as extra-terrestrial as it looked. 

The formation was actually a lenticular cloud, which is a rare occurrence that usually forms over mountain ranges. 

What caused rare 'UFO' cloud seen over Saddleworth

It made for a stunning sight and was accompanied by a truly beautiful sunrise, and so we've gathered some of the best pictures our readers sent to us. 

There actually were two clouds spotted by some (Image: Matthew Casson) Some of our readers actually managed to spot two clouds in the skies.

It really does look like UFO (Image: Dave James)

The wave cloud formation looks a lot like a lens and the Met Office says they are believed to be one of the most common explanations for UFO sightings around the world. 

(Image: Rachel Bird) They form when air is blown across mountainous areas, setting up a train of large standing waves in the air downstream.

It's a similar process to when ripples form in a river when water flows over an obstruction, according to the Met Office. 

(Image: Justin Brown)

When the air is holding enough moisture, the rising motion of the wave will cause water vapour to condense, forming the unique appearance of lenticular clouds.

(Image: Amy Longworth) When the air is holding enough moisture, the rising motion of the wave will cause water vapour to condense, forming the unique appearance of lenticular clouds.

(Image: Suzanne Sheldon)

The clouds can result in strange winds such as very strong gusts in one place with still air only 100 metres away.

The cloud's appearance in Saddleworth is an extra-rare occurrence, as they most commonly only form where there's a mountain range.