Golden Sunset over Alexandria
Crepuscular rays and an aircraft contrail dazzle sky observer. The aircraft contrail is visible as a small dash above the clouds.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

On 4 September 2007, BA Senior Astronomy Specialist, Aymen Ibrahem, observed sunset and evening twilight. He took numerous photos, recording the fascinating optical atmospheric phenomena that gleamed in the sky of Alexandria during the observation.

Ibrahem observed spectacular patterns of crepuscular rays and cloud shadows. He also monitored the flickering fabulous colors of the clouds, as the Sun was declining, and through evening twilight.

Interestingly, Ibrahem observed an aircraft contrail that streaked amid the glowing clouds, near the setting Sun. The aircraft was traversing the golden diverging beams of crepuscular rays.

Ibrahem, who is also an enthusiastic wildlife photographer, observed a high-flying flock of birds. They appear to be seagulls returning to Alexandria. This is Ibrahem's first sighting of seagulls since last spring.   

Picture Gallery:

Fig (1)
Returning to Nest
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (2)
Rays of Sunset
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (3)
Back to Alexandria
A flock of birds that appears to be seagulls returning to Alexandria, near the end of a hot summer.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (4)
Close-up of Flock
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (5)
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (6)
Fiery Clouds
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (7)
These clouds were visible across the Eastern horizon, during evening twilight.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Further Reading

Observing Twilight on a Saturnian Moon
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A Celestial Showpiece over Alexandria
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Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist