I’ve written several times (here, here, here, and probably more) about an astronomical phenomenon call “The Belt Of Venus.” It’s the Earth’s shadow seen opposite the Sun at either sunrise or sunset.
This looks a LOT like it, but the problem is that it’s in the south, not the east, and it’s way too dark and opaque.
A closer view also shows that it’s “lumpy.” The Earth’s shadow is nice and smooth and uniform.
Nope, this is the cloud of smoke from the Palisades Fire, stretching out over the ocean toward Japan, or at least toward Catalina and the Channel Islands.
The good news is that yesterday’s fire is out and it’s calm here, we’re in no danger. The bad news is that the Palisades Fire has flared up (and there are still a handful of other, smaller fires burning around the area) and is moving toward the east and the 405 Freeway, Encino, and Tarzana. It’s going to be a long, long night for a million-plus folks over in those areas, some of whom we know personally.
There’s no one in LA right now who isn’t affected or who doesn’t know someone who’s affected by all of these fires.
We Love The Stars Too Fondly 