26 July 2007
Cosmic Balloon
In this image, the Sun, partly concealed by dark clouds, resembles a large balloon tied to a distant, silhouetted ship.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist
On 11 July 2007, Senior BA Astronomy Specialist, Aymen Ibrahem, observed sunset from the Plaza of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. A large ship cruised between him and the setting Sun, producing an interesting optical effect.
Ibrahem began the observation shortly before sunset. He hoped to photograph the sunset mirage and the green flash phenomena, but there were clouds across the western horizon. A large ship, however, crossed the line of sight to the Sun. "The steam emanating from the chimney glowed in orange sunlight," said Ibrahem. "The Sun resembled a balloon tied to the chimney."
"No two sunsets are alike. I explore a new fascinating phenomenon in every sunset I observe."
Further Reading
A Celestial Showpiece for Alexandria
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Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist