Explanation:
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.
digg_url = 'http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090320.html'; digg_skin = 'compact';
