The Belt of Venus

acadia_belt_of_venusDriving up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park last weekend, we were offered a beautiful display of the Belt of Venus. The belt is an atmospheric phenomenon and fairly common. It is caused by the shadow of the Earth creating a dark blue band below the warm light from the setting or rising sun. The belt is seen on the opposite horizon from the sun. Click on the image for a larger version.