Corona and Church of Μary Krinas

January 24, 2014

A wreath from Heaven (2)

Photographer: Stavros Hios; Stavros' Web site
Summary Author: Stavros Hios; Jim Foster

Shown above is the Church of Μary Krinas (Panagia Krina), in the rural region of Vavili, on the Greek island of Chios. Built in the 12th century adjacent to a reliable spring, this Byzantine structure is adorned with ornate arches and exquisite carvings. Krina means "spring of plenty". A starry wreath, the constellation Corona Borealis (Northern Crown), shines above the church. The bright blue colored star almost directly overhead of the church dome is known as R Coronae Borealis. This enigmatic, variable carbon star will now and then disappear from view, evidently due to accumulations of carbon dust clouds in its atmosphere. Photo taken on August 6, 2013.

Photo details: NIKON D7000 camera with tripod; Lens: 10.0-20.0 mm f/4.0-5.6; Focal Length: 10mm (35mm equivalent: 15mm); Focus Distance: Infinite; Aperture: f/4.0; Exposure Time: 53.000 s; ISO equiv: 1250; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows; ASTROTRACK.