Belt of Venus and Sleeping Buddha

Image Title: Belt of Venus and Sleeping Buddha

Copyright: Soumya Banerjee

Date image was taken: October 21, 2022

Location: Singalila National Park, India

Image Description and Details: This picture depicts the Sleeping Buddha formation of the worlds 3rd highest mountain (Mt. Kanchenjunga) and the Belt of Venus in the background after sunset.

Mt. Kanchenjunga’s this view is called the "Sleeping Buddha" for its resemblance to a reclining silhouette of the Buddha. It is revered by locals as the stance signifies peace and tranquility.

The Belt of Venus (also called the antitwilight arch) is an atmospheric phenomenon visible shortly before sunrise or after sunset, during civil twilight. It is a pinkish glow that surrounds the observer, extending roughly 10–20° above the horizon. It appears opposite to the afterglow, which it also reflects.

As twilight progresses, the arch is separated from the horizon by the dark band of Earth's shadow, or "twilight wedge". The pinkish glow is due to the Rayleigh scattering of light from the rising or setting Sun, which is then backscattered by particulates.

Equipment Details: Camera: Lumix S1, Lens: Lumix 24-105 f4 at 71mm, iso100, f8, 1/8secs exposure

Name: Soumya Banerjee

Website or Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/soumya.banerjee.14