Would flat clouds produce such a shape?
Hmmm Maybe multiple clouds can have 'fairly straight edges' but they would still be curvy/fluffy above and below. This video clearly shows a flat top (as well as flat sides). Since the video is shown as it is happening, I am not sure it is possible to doctor the image, i.e. interfere/change it....that would be interesting to know. Thereagain, would there be such a gathering just for a shaft of sunlight?
Admittedly the strange, oblong shape is not 'hard edged' but you cannot overlook the fact that a shaft of sunlight does not have an oblong shape at the top of it! Very unnatural!
Methinks you need a copy of the cloudspotters guide 😉
Typically air pressure and winds are considered (in general terms) to change about every 300ft, hence why looking at the direction clouds travel isn't a good indication of wind direction at ground level. Also, with different weather conditions, sudden changes in high and low pressure can cause clouds to be flat on the top or on the bottom, as well as at the sides. If you think clouds are just "fluffy" all the time then I'm afraid you are mistaken. Even your standard cumulus clouds can have flat sides and bottoms to them; it's to do with air pressures (changes in) and wind directions, as well as clashing weather fronts etc. And as for the light appearing oblong at the top of the shaft of light... well the shaft is caused by the break in between the clouds, and the oblong is the diffusion of light at the edges of the clouds where they are thinner.
As for why there was such a gathering, that's the nature of society, especially after such a situation has occurred to them, and they are, I believe, without meaning any offence, quite a religious lot there, so seeing something to allow them to believe there is hope is more likely to occur there than in other societies.
Methinks you need a copy of the cloudspotters guide 😉
Typically air pressure and winds are considered (in general terms) to change about every 300ft, hence why looking at the direction clouds travel isn't a good indication of wind direction at ground level. Also, with different weather conditions, sudden changes in high and low pressure can cause clouds to be flat on the top or on the bottom, as well as at the sides. If you think clouds are just "fluffy" all the time then I'm afraid you are mistaken. Even your standard cumulus clouds can have flat sides and bottoms to them; it's to do with air pressures (changes in) and wind directions, as well as clashing weather fronts etc. And as for the light appearing oblong at the top of the shaft of light... well the shaft is caused by the break in between the clouds, and the oblong is the diffusion of light at the edges of the clouds where they are thinner.
As for why there was such a gathering, that's the nature of society, especially after such a situation has occurred to them, and they are, I believe, without meaning any offence, quite a religious lot there, so seeing something to allow them to believe there is hope is more likely to occur there than in other societies.
Not peculiar then that this oblong shape should be on top/combined with a normal shaft of sunlight? Seen it before have you? Hmmm
Whilst I take your point about them being religious, I don't believe that there would be a crowd gathering for just a shaft of sunlight....come on - I am sure that it isn't a rare sight.
I've seen similar, yes, where strong sunlight is breaking through stormy clouds.
You assume that the crowd has "gathered" and that they weren't already a group of people in that area. We don't know that. Could just as easily be e.g. a coachload of people who have stopped for a break and to stretch their legs, seeing the sunlight shining down through the clouds and marvelling at it, so deciding to film it.
Yes. I'm with Giles on this one.