La Palma Shadow Projection at Sunset
March 10, 2020
Photographer: Roberto Martín Pérez
Summary Authors: Roberto Martín Pérez; Jim Foster
Shown above is the projection of the shadow of the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) on the distant atmosphere. The Roque de Los Muchcachos Observatory is at far left. Mountain shadows such as this can appear if the lower atmosphere is dusty. In this case, it’s likely that easterly winds are blowing dust from the Sahara Desert over the Canary Islands. Note the triangular shape of the shadow. Even the shadow of a relatively flat-topped ridge will look pointed because of the viewer’s perspective. Portions of the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera can be seen in the background at right. Photo taken on February 2, 2020.