Strange phenomenon during twilight

[HaleBopp2007]

So, I went to a place to see some meteors, but around 40 minutes after sunset, something started showing up in the northwestern horizon. Around half an hour later, it was quite prominent. It looked like featureless noctilucent clouds, and had a silvery light blue color. Does someone know what can this be? 

 

[wimvb]

Most likely what you guessed already: featureless noctilucent clouds, at lower than normal height.

[HaleBopp2007]

Ok, but it still seems a bit odd as I was at 36N latitude, but, oh well, first NLC show for me.

DISCLAIMER: Opinions are still welcome! Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, whether they agree or disagree with the other opinions! 

Edited July 6, 2021 by HaleBopp2007
Minor changes (disclaimer)

[wimvb]

You wrote that it happened shortly after sunset. At your altitude it probably didn’t last long as the sun moved further ”down” and couldn’t illuminate the clouds any longer. To see nlc during most of the night, you need to be further north.

[HaleBopp2007]

Yeah, it lasted between 30 and 40 minutes, so not too long. 

[saac]

Is it the Belt of Venus ?      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_of_Venus

Jim 

[Louis D]

16 hours ago, saac said:

Is it the Belt of Venus ?      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_of_Venus

Jim 

Belt of Venus shows up most clearly in the opposite sky from sunset/sunrise.  The OP states it was in the NW sky, which would be in the direction of sunset.

[HaleBopp2007]

As Louis D said, the "Belt of Venus" happens at the opposite place of where the sun sets. And it cvobsist of the horizon getting fainter as Earth's shadow goes "upwards", unlike the thing I saw, which was an extra horizontal patch in the place where the sun had set, but slightly to the north.