Australia, Oct. 23 -- Satellite images have captured a usually invisible phenomenon known as atmospheric gravity waves pulsing through clouds off Western Australia's north-west.

Thunderstorms in the Pilbara and Kimberley on Monday and Tuesday triggered the waves. These waves spread out over the Indian Ocean and combined with a plume of dust to create a spectacular and rarely seen display.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior meteorologist Adam Morgan said atmospheric gravity waves were basically ripples in the sky.

"When you think of waves in the ocean, they're a type of gravity wave," he said.

"When you throw a rock in a pond and you see the ripples flowing out, they're gravity waves as well.

"Essentially gravity waves are disturbance...