March 20, 2009
You share your birthday with the light of distant galaxies that has been traveling for millions of years just to arrive here, now, alongside...
Sunset at the Portara
Birthday · March 20, 2009
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APOD published March 20, 2009. Credit: Anthony Ayiomamitis. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Today, the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north at 11:44 UT. Known as an equinox, this astronomical event marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the south. It also marks the beginning of Norouz, the Persian (Iranian) new year. Equinox means equal night. With the Sun on the celestial equator, Earth dwellers will experience nearly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Of course, in the north the days will grow longer, the Sun marching higher in the sky as summer approaches. To celebrate the equinox, consider this scenic view of the setting Sun from the island of Naxos in the Aegean Sea. Recorded last June, the well-planned image captures the Portara (big door) in a dramatic silhouette. Measuring about 6 by 3.5 meters, the Portara is the large entrance to the Greek island's ancient, unfinished Temple of Apollo.
Image credit: Anthony Ayiomamitis