Curious, some contrails disappear quite quickly, whilst very visible behind aircraft they almost seem to dissipate immediately. Others however hang about for some time.
Is it just varying atmospheric conditions that cause this difference or other factors involved?
Geoff
Temperature + humidity
Dictates how much moisture the atmosphere can sustain and for how long.
Just like a car starting in winter. Sometimes a little exhaust visible. Sometimes the driveway fills up. Car is still putting out the same.
Other factors involved.
There are a couple of other factors that have a minor effect, like how efficiently the engine is burning the fuel (more water vapor in the exhaust = longer lasting contrail).
…but yeah, it’s mostly about atmospheric conditions.