Dear Commons Community,

Last evening while on our lake enjoying wine and yogurt, Elaine and I were treated to a “Belt of Venus” sunset.  It completely surrounded the lake 360 degrees. If you are not familiar with it, here are some facts.

The “Belt of Venus” is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates a pink band in the sky at sunrise and sunset. It is actually the area between Earth’s shadow and the blue sky. The belt is similar to alpenglow, which creates a reddish glow just over the horizon.

Facts about the Belt of Venus

• The Belt of Venus is an atmospheric optical phenomenon, but could also be considered a space phenomenon.
• The pink color in the belt is sunlight that is shining through denser atmosphere near the Earth’s surface, and being reflected off of atmosphere at the opposite end of the sky.
• The dark blue layer in the sky below the pink belt is Earth’s “shadow” being cast onto the atmosphere.
• It is visible at sunrise or sunset, but is more pronounced at sunset.
• It is best seen during the summer months, on clear and slightly hazy evenings.
• The Belt of Venus has several names, including antitwilight arch.

It is named the “Belt of Venus” due to an association with the Roman goddess Venus. It is not associated with the planet Venus.

Quite beautiful!

Tony

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