Aphelion Sun and the Portara (Temple of Apollo)

Dear friends ... and that guy O'Connell,

I would like to present you with the aphelion sun setting over the Portara on the aegean island of Naxos. The Portara is part of the Temple of Apollo which was under construction but never finished. The large entrance (Portara = "big door") measuring 6 by 3.5 meters is the only remnant of this unfinished project and which dates back to about 2500 years ago.

The island of Naxos is the biggest of the cycladic group of islands in the aegean and is characterized with two archaeological grounds. Aside from the smaller grounds involving the Portara and the Temple of Apollo and which is a popular spot for tourists to marvel at the setting sun, there is also a much larger and impressive grounds and which includes the stunning Temple of Demeter.

The aphelion sun was taken last weekend (ie. five days prior to aphelion) from a strategically chosen distance of 439 meters to the southeast of the Portara and a proper lens was used so as to allow for a suitable aspect ratio and image scale for the various components of the photo.

www.perseus.gr/Astro-Solar-Scenes-Portara-03.htm

Although I usually wait for tourists to clear my field of view when taking such images, they proved to be a huge blessing in disguise surrounding this particular effort, for these "human ants" really enriched the photos with their presence and their silhouettes against the bright sun.

Nice shot. Something about a big rectangular window and all that yellow makes me think "national geographic"

Bart.

Hi Bart,

You are not exactly off the mark surrounding NG! :lol:

What is that big orange thing it reminds me of something but can't remember what.

Very nice image well done Anto.

A brilliant shot Anto. The sun is exactly midaway behind the pillar.

A lot of prep. involved again for this one I'd imagine.

oh that's just superb Anthony. Definitely a shot to put up on the wall.

Trev