
September 24, 2009
Equinox Sunset

September 24, 2009
Equinox Sunset
A little universe, just for you
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APOD published September 24, 2009. Credit: Tamas Ladanyi. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Often inspiring, or offering a moment for contemplation, a sunset is probably the most commonly photographed celestial event. But this uncommonly beautiful sunset picture was taken on a special day, the Equinox on September 22. Marking the astronomical change of seasons, on that day Earth dwellers experienced nearly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness (an equal night). Reflected in the calm waters of Lake Balaton with a motionless sailboat in silhouette, the Sun is setting due west and heading south across the celestial equator. In the background lies the Benedictine Archabbey of Tihany, Hungary.
Image credit: Tamas Ladanyi