A striking photograph taken on July 28 from Krk Island, Croatia, has been featured as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD). The image captures the rising of the full moon of July, traditionally referred to as the 'Buck Moon,' as it emerges over the distant mountainous horizon of the Adriatic coast. According to NASA News Releases, the scene provides a clear view of the atmospheric dynamics that occur during twilight, specifically highlighting Earth’s shadow and the Belt of Venus.

As the full moon ascends, it coincides with the setting of the sun, which allows for the emergence of the planet’s shadow—a diffuse gray band visible above the horizon. Positioned above this shadow is the pinkish antitwilight arch, widely known as the Belt of Venus, which results from sunlight backscattered by the atmosphere. This celestial event serves as a precursor to the upcoming New Moon on August 12, which is expected to block the sun completely during an anticipated total solar eclipse.