Hormozd Shines above Persia

As named in the ancient Persia planet Hormozd rises above Alamut Fortress in Iran. Hormozd or Ahura Mazda is the great divinity of the old Iranian religion and for a period planet Jupiter was the symbol of the god in the sky as it was the symbol of Zeus for Greeks. Imaged near the date of Jupiter 2010 opposition, it completely overpowers every actual star in the night sky. Jupiter is always bright but it looks a little brighter than usual during its opposition which is the brightest time of the planet in our sky and its closest distance to us (opposition takes place when the Earth goes between Jupiter – or other planets outside the Earth orbit – and the sun. Jupiter opposition returns every 13 months.

The historic Alamut Fortress (2160 m) is found in Alborz Mountains of Iran. It was was built into the rock in the 9th century. The name means Eagle’s Nest. Home of the legendary Assassins featured in the adventure movie Prince of Persia, Alamut was also historically a center for libraries and education. For a time, it was the residence of important 13th century Persian scholar and astronomer Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (or simply known as Tusi).