Stunning video shows how big airplane contrails can look up close
Published on Sep 04, 2025 at 2:33 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Sep 03, 2025 at 2:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Airplane contrails are some of the most striking things you can see in the sky.
In case you are unaware, contrails are the vapor trails aircraft leave in their wake.
One thing that many people might not realize is just how big they can be up close.
But a recent video has just put it on full display – and the reality will amaze you.
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Airplane contrails are enormous – seriously
Airplane contrails are a truly fascinating scientific phenomenon.
But one thing most people might not realize is just how massive contrails actually can be.
When you look out of your window, they might look like thin, tiny little trails lagging behind.
Even if you look up at the sky, these perfect, parallel lines look like nothing more than thin white strips.
But the reality is different – in fact, it is very different indeed.
Airplane contrails are much larger up close than they appear high in the sky pic.twitter.com/zCXI2aUXIq
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) September 1, 2025
A video from PicturesFoIder on Twitter/X has been going viral in the last couple of days.
The video in question shows a standard airplane flying along, minding its business.
But the thing that’s different is the enormous mass following very closely behind the tail.
You could very well be forgiven for thinking that the plane is on fire.
But no – it is, instead, the true picture of what airplane contrails actually look like.
Phenomenon is formed through fascinating science
When viewed up close and in true perspective, they are absolutely enormous.
As a matter of fact, they’re more akin to volcanic eruptions following behind the airplane.
Now that you know how big contrails actually are, you might be wondering about the science behind them.
Well, their formation is actually caused by two different factors.
The first factor is the production of water vapor from the aircraft’s engine exhaust.
These then combine with the low ambient temperatures at high altitudes to form the massive vapor trails.
What do you think of the video? Does it shock you to see just how big airplane contrails are in reality?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
