Silent Effigy

From the photographer: “Double Arch, in southwestern Utah, was formed differently than most arches in Arches National Park. It is what is known as a pothole arch, formed by water erosion from above rather than more typical erosion from the side. The larger opening has a span of 148 feet and a height of 104 feet. It lies atop an underground salt bed called the Paradox Formation, which is responsible for the arches. The visible rock formation is the salmon-colored entrada sandstone and the tan-colored Navajo sand.” – © Brad Goldpaint

This photo appeared as Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 24, 2011.