Orion Dawn Over Mount Nemrut

Explanation: What's that in front of Orion? Forty kilometers north of Kahta , Turkey , lies Mount Nemrut , a mountain adorned with the fragments of vast statues built over 2000 years ago. The stone sculptures once stood nearly 10 meters high and depicted lions, eagles , various ancient gods , and King Antiochus I Theos , who ruled Commagene from 86 BC to 38 BC. Ruins of the bodies of several sitting figures are visible on the hill above, illuminated by moonlight . Zeus ' head can be found near the above image's center, while the king's head is seen next closest to the horizon. Visible far in the distance in this image , taken three months ago, is the familiar constellation of Orion . The red patch just below Orion's belt is the Orion Nebula , while the bright star to the left of Orion is Sirius . On the far left, a red and brightening horizon announces that the Sun is beginning to rise.

Note : APOD Editor to Speak in New York on Jan. 2
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