Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Lightning Eclipse from the Planet of the Goats

NASA ^ | June 18, 2011 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Thunderstorms almost spoiled this view of the spectacular June 15 total lunar eclipse. Instead, storm clouds parted for 10 minutes during the total eclipse phase and lightning bolts contributed to the dramatic sky. Captured with a 30 second exposure the scene also inspired what, in the 16 year history of Astronomy Picture of the Day, the editor considers may be the best title yet for a picture (title credit to Chris K.). Of course, the lightning reference clearly makes sense, and the shadow play of the dark lunar eclipse was widely viewed across planet Earth in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The picture itself, however, was shot from the Greek Ikaria island at Pezi. That area is known as "the planet of the goats" because of the rough terrain and strange looking rocks.

[SunkenCiv]

[ Credit & Copyright:: Chris Kotsiopoulos (GreekSky)]

[SunkenCiv]

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that "planet of the goats" was made up by the shooter or someone he knows.

join or quit list APoD 'blog post new APoD topic Astronomy Picture of the Day topic & keyword Astronomy Chat, Bloggers & keyword Science Chat, Bloggers & keyword NASA's APoD archive Calendar 1995-present APoD on your desktop

[steelyourfaith]

Thanx SunkenCiv !
Bonus photo, via Guardian:

Hubble photograph of Centaurus A
reveals bright jewel behind dust

[sushiman]

Magnificent ...breathtaking ...thank you .

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks syf!

[JoeProBono]

[hattend]

Oh, I thought this pic may have been taken in the Middle east, hence the reference to “Planet of the scared goats”

[left that other site]

Wonderful! Thank You!

[momtothree]

Amazing photo! Thank you for posting, SunkenCiv!

[SunkenCiv]

“Planet of the Scared Sheep” would have referred to US polling places, I guess.

[SunkenCiv]

Three more?

[SunkenCiv]

My pleasure.

[TheOldLady]

Joe, are you asking to get on the ZOT LIGHTNING ping list?

Post a “yes” graphic if so. ;-)

[TheOldLady]

That’s cute. I’ve never seen such an editorial interjection in the APOD before. Kinda odd-but-cool, like an Admin Moderator making comments.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks. ;’)

[JoeProBono]

[TheOldLady]

You’re on it.

[TheOldLady]

Three more?

The most ZOTs I've ever seen at the same time was two. Four would be earth-shattering.

[redhead]

new desktop image, zip-zop! Thanks!

[SunkenCiv]

Shhh! No one’s supposed to know my real name is zip-zop! ;’)