Ever been on cloud nine?
We all know that “cloud nine” is an expression for being blissfully happy and I hope that you frequently inhabit the space – but what is the origin of the term?
One explanation is that, when the World Meteorological Organisation amended the system of cloud classification originally developed by the British Luke Howard ( 1772-1864), the ninth cloud on the list became the cumulonimbus which is thought to have a particularly attractive shape.
But the explanation may not be that straightforward as you’ll see here.