The Daily Croissant

Credit & Copyright: Chris Kotsiopoulos (GreekSky)

"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 the Greek island of Ikaria at Pezi. That area is known as "the planet of the goats" because of the rough terrain and strange looking rocks."

"This image shows a portion of Thessaly in the geographic center of mainland Greece. Surrounded by mountain ranges, this area of fertile valleys receives frequent rain showers that give visual proof of its name: 'Breadbasket of Greece.'

Many fields and farming villages can be seen within the valley area. Scars from previous fires are visible in shades of pinks and browns. The man-made Plastiras Lake, which is within the Agrafa Mountain Range, can be seen on the right side of this image."