A chemtrail is a term used by many observers to describe the persistent white trails left behind by aircraft in the sky. While officially classified as condensation trails (contrails) formed when hot jet exhaust meets cold atmospheric air, a growing community of concerned citizens questions whether all trails can be explained this simply. ChemTracker lets you investigate for yourself by showing you exactly which aircraft are leaving trails, at what altitude, and under what atmospheric conditions — so you can draw your own conclusions based on real data.

How does ChemTracker work?

ChemTracker combines real-time ADS-B flight data with atmospheric science to show you every aircraft in your area. It uses your location, live weather data including humidity and temperature at cruising altitude, and the known science of contrail formation to predict which planes are likely producing visible trails. You can point your phone at the sky and see overlaid flight information in real time.

Can I track chemtrails in real-time?

Yes. ChemTracker provides real-time tracking of all aircraft in your vicinity and highlights which ones are currently producing visible trails. Using live ADS-B transponder data and atmospheric readings, the app updates continuously so you can monitor exactly what is happening in the sky above your location at any moment. You can also set up alerts to be notified when trail-producing aircraft enter your area.

What is the difference between a chemtrail and a contrail?

A contrail (condensation trail) is the official explanation for the white lines left by aircraft — formed when water vapor in jet exhaust freezes in cold, humid air at high altitudes. The term chemtrail is used by researchers and observers who believe some trails may contain additional substances beyond normal water vapor, noting that some trails persist and spread for hours while others disappear quickly. ChemTracker helps you study these differences by showing atmospheric conditions, aircraft identity, altitude, and trail persistence predictions for every flight overhead.

Chemtrails Over Chicago Today

Chicago, United States · 41.88°N, 87.63°W · Last updated: Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:25:16 GMT

Current Contrail Conditions

None Likelihood0/8 levels favorable

0 of 8 atmospheric pressure levels currently show conditions favorable for contrail formation.

Solar visibility: Not visible (night) · Sun elevation: -17.2°

Atmospheric Conditions by Pressure Level

ChemTracker monitors 8 pressure levels above Chicago. Contrails form when temperature is below the Schmidt-Appleman threshold and relative humidity with respect to ice (RH-ice) exceeds 70%.

Pressure	Altitude	Temp (°C)	RH-water (%)	RH-ice (%)	Contrail
150 hPa	44,327 ft	-51.5	0	0	Unlikely
200 hPa	38,637 ft	-51	2	3	Unlikely
225 hPa	36,216 ft	-53.5	9	15	Unlikely
250 hPa	34,004 ft	-55.5	22	37	Unlikely
275 hPa	31,965 ft	-54.5	38	64	Unlikely
300 hPa	30,070 ft	-51	38	62	Unlikely
350 hPa	26,636 ft	-43.2	42	64	Unlikely
400 hPa	23,578 ft	-36	27	38	Unlikely

Solar Visibility Over Chicago

Visibility RatingNot visible (night)

Sun Elevation-17.2°

Visibility Factor0%

Solar visibility determines how well contrails can be observed from the ground. Higher sun elevation means better backlit visibility of trail formation above Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there chemtrails over Chicago today?

ChemTracker monitors real-time atmospheric conditions above Chicago to predict contrail formation. Currently, 0 of 8 pressure levels show conditions favorable for contrail formation — indicating none likelihood of persistent trails.

What atmospheric conditions cause contrails over Chicago?

Contrails form above Chicago when jet exhaust meets air colder than approximately −40°C at cruising altitude (typically 8,000–12,000 metres). Persistence depends on relative humidity with respect to ice — when the air is supersaturated (RH-ice above 100%), trails can last hours and spread into cirrus-like haze. The Schmidt-Appleman criterion predicts these conditions from temperature, pressure, and humidity data.

How does ChemTracker track aircraft over Chicago?

ChemTracker uses live ADS-B data to track every aircraft over Chicago in real time. Each aircraft's altitude is cross-referenced against atmospheric data from Open-Meteo at 8 pressure levels. The app shows you which planes are producing trails, their flight numbers, and whether current conditions are favorable for persistent contrail formation above Chicago.

What is contrail climate forcing near Chicago?

Aircraft contrails can have a warming effect on the climate, particularly during certain atmospheric conditions. Above busy air corridors like those near Chicago, persistent contrails and the resulting cirrus clouds can trap outgoing infrared radiation. This effect varies with time of day, season, and local weather patterns. ChemTracker's pressure-level data helps researchers and observers understand when this forcing is most significant.

Nearby Tracked Locations

MilwaukeeUnited States MadisonUnited States IndianapolisUnited States

All Cities in United StatesView contrail conditions across all tracked cities in United States Chemtrails LiveReal-time trail activity worldwide Contrail ForecastPredicted formation conditions for today and tomorrow Conditions at Chicago Midway International (MDW)See contrail conditions at the nearest monitored airport

Track Aircraft Over Chicago in Real Time

See every aircraft above Chicago with its altitude, flight number, and whether atmospheric conditions at that pressure level are favorable for trail formation.

Start Your Free 14-Day Trial

No credit card required