Selene in Poseidon's Temple.

From the photographer: “The morning of February 18, 2023 offered a special chance to view and photograph a 6% illuminated, 27 day old crescent moon at very low altitude at sunrise. Elongation from the sun was 30 degrees and altitude at sunrise only 9 degrees (about one third). The low altitude of the moon was caused by shallow ecliptic conditions at sunrise and also because the moon was near greatest geocentric latitude South, about 5 degrees South of the ecliptic (the photographic location – Sounio has a latitude of 38N). That is why the moon crescent appeared having an almost vertical tilt. Lunar crescent was the symbol of the Goddess Selene in ancient Greek mythology, who was the personalization of the moon. In ancient Greek and Roman art she appeared crowned with the lunar crescent and driving a flying chariot. The 2500 year old temple of Poseidon is located 70km South of Athens, Greece and it is one of the most visited ancient Greek temples in the world. It’s location is perfect for observing and photographing the rising moon from a distance and have this majestic perspective effect.”