Aphrodite’s Afterglow

Occasionally, in the twilight shortly before sunrise or after sunset a pinkish glow becomes visible above the horizon. The atmospheric phenomenon is known as the Belt of Venus, or, more prosaically, an anticrepuscular arch or afterglow. The pink is caused by the backscatter of reddened light from the sun. This photograph shows Venus’ - or rather Aphrodite’s - afterglow above the acropolis in Athens, Greece; as if showing off to her great rival Athena, whose Parthenon sits atop her eponymous city.