Sky Watch Extra: Volcanic Ash Sunset

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The volcanic ash in the atmosphere from the Icelandic eruption has caused havoc with Europe's air schedules this week. The ash has also created interesting sunset effects. The best places to observe these effects have been those with clear uninterrupted views north-westwards and where better in the Ashton area than Hartshead Pike?

This series of photos looks towards the sunset from Hartshead Pike across the Werneth area of Oldham. They were taken on my compact Sony camera so lack the detail that a really whizzy camera would have achieved, but they suffice to give an impression of the event.

The sky was completely cloudless - not even a vapour trail as there were no aircraft flying. As the sun sank lower a dark bank became noticeable above the distant horizon. This was an effect caused by the ash in the atmosphere. The sun was swallowed by this murky bank long before it reached the actual horizon.


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Sky Watch is a regular weekly feature on this photo blog. It links with websites all over the world with the general theme each week of looking upwards. Please take the opportunity to visit some of these other sites. I hope some new visitors have found their way here today, watching the skies!