Equinox at the Temple of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, Mexico
© Somatuscani/Getty Images Plu
Mexico steps into autumn. Mexico steps into autumn
Look closely and you'll see a snake slithering down the steps of the Temple of Kukulcan (aka El Castillo or The Castle), in Chichen Itza, Mexico. Not a real snake, it's an image created by natural light and shadows only during the region’s spring and autumn equinoxes. The equinox (which means equal night in Latin) is either of the two times each year - when the Earth's orbit and position cause the Sun to pass directly over the equator, creating equal amounts of daylight and darkness. According to Mayan legend, on both equinoxes, this pyramid is visited by Kukulcan, the feathered serpent god. Thousands of spectators gather to watch and celebrate as seven triangles of light slide down the pyramid, illustrating Kukulcan's descent.
Related Images
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona
Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park of Tasmania
Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) lying on a bed of sea grass in Carnac Island, Western Australia
Almond orchards in bloom, Sacramento Valley, California
Sunset at Counts Point in West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia
Leopard snoozing in a tree in Namibia
Circular agricultural fields in Morgan County, Colorado
Water wheel in the Tashkurgan Grassland, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang, China
Bing Today Images
