Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Sentinels of the Arctic [ Belt of Venus ]

NASA ^ | May 29, 2012 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Who guards the north? Judging from the above photograph, possibly giant trees covered in snow and ice. The picture was taken last winter in Finnish Lapland where weather can include sub-freezing temperatures and driving snow. Surreal landscapes sometimes result, where common trees become cloaked in white and so appear, to some, as watchful aliens. Far in the distance, behind this uncommon Earthly vista, is a more common sight -- a Belt of Venus that divided a darkened from sunlit sky as the Sun rose behind the photographer. Of course, in the spring, the trees have thawed and Lapland looks much different.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: Niccolo Bonfadini]

[SunkenCiv]

Astronomy Seminar of the Week: The 2012 Transit of Venus

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[left that other site]

I am reminded of “DUNE”...only COLD! LOL!

[Chances Are]

Reminds me of “Flesh Gordon”...

CA....

[cripplecreek]

[ClearCase_guy]

Belt of what?

[blueunicorn6]

Geez....not this nightmare again....cauliflower rising up out of my ice cream......I’m gonna have to quit taking so much medicine.....

[Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh]

Looks like a place where a bunch of dicks hang out.

[buffaloguy]

I had never thought of Finland for a vacation, but this is a real possibility.

[momtothree]

Very, very cool (er... I mean cold). Thanks, SunkenCiv!!

[BenLurkin]

Brrr....

[left that other site]

LOL!

[lbryce]

Very well done. :-)

[Talisker]

Nice!

[Moltke]

Finnish Lapland where weather can include sub-freezing temperatures and driving snow

Who'd have expected this right up at the arctic circle? Damn, I wish I were smart enough to work for NASA.

[SunkenCiv]

Must seem like Christmas year around.