_Today, the Sun_ (http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2009/index.php)   crosses the 
celestial equator heading north at 11:44 _UT_ 
(http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/UT.php) . Known as an equinox, this  _astronomical event_ 
(http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Sseason.htm)  marks  the first day of spring in the northern 
hemisphere and autumn in the south. It  also marks the beginning _of  Norouz_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norouz) , the Persian (Iranian) new year. Equinox 
means _equal night_ (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/eclip.html#c5) .  
With the Sun on the celestial equator, _Earth dwellers_ 
(http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap030923.html)  will  experience _nearly_ 
(http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/equinoxes.php)   12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Of course, 
in the north the days  will grow longer, the _Sun  marching_ 
(http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap040320.html)  higher in the sky as summer approaches. To celebrate 
the equinox,  consider _this  scenic view_ 
(http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-Solar-Scenes-Portara-03.htm)  of the setting Sun from the island of Naxos in the 
Aegean Sea.  Recorded last June, the well-planned image captures the Portara 
(big door) in a  dramatic silhouette. Measuring about 6 by 3.5 meters, the 
Portara is the large  entrance to the Greek island's ancient, unfinished Temple _of 
Apollo_ (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/apollo.html) . 
**************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store?  Make meals for Under 
$10. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000002)

solar-scenic-portara-03-800x600pixels.jpg