Astronomy Picture of the Day -- A Triangular Shadow of a Large Volcano

NASA ^ | July 05, 2011 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Why does the shadow of this volcano look like a triangle? The Mount Teide volcano itself does not have the strictly pyramidal shape that its geometric shadow might suggest. The triangle shadow phenomena is not unique to the Mt. Teide, though, and is commonly seen from the tops of other large mountains and volcanoes. A key reason for the strange dark shape is that the observer is looking down the long corridor of a sunset (or sunrise) shadow that extends to the horizon. Even if the huge volcano was a perfect cube and the resulting shadow was a long rectangular box, that box would appear to taper off at its top as its shadow extended far into the distance, just as parallel train tracks do. The above spectacular image shows Pico Viejo crater in the foreground, located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands of Spain. The nearly full moon is seen nearby shortly after its total lunar eclipse last month.

[SunkenCiv]

[ Image Credit & >Copyright: Juan Carlos Casado (TWAN]

[SunkenCiv]

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[conservativeimage]

It’s because it’s an ICBM, not a jet liner.

[TheOldLady]

That’s an interesting phenomenon I’ve never considered before. It makes perfect sense once you think about it. Spectacular photo too! You’re a gem, Civ.

[Young Werther]

Au Contraire! It's Bloefield's hideout. Dontcha NO!

And she took the picture!

[bigheadfred]

You appear to be obsessed with scantily clad hot chicks. It’s a wonder you can post at all.

[bigheadfred]

"A key reason for the strange dark shape is that the observer is looking down the long corridor of a shadow —and—oh my God—it's full of stars!"

[Young Werther]

I was a Lifeguard at Seaside Heights in Joisey. I enjoyed my era of Snookies and became hopelessly enthralled with Pretty Women.

I'm an old FART now but I saw Dr No at the Seaside Heights Drive In. My date attacked me csuse she did'nt want my attendtion to wander to Ursala!

It was a hot night and and so was my date! Nuf said.

[bigheadfred]

I don’t mind the hot chicks. Just sayin’...