Nostr notes by Random Astronomy Pictures OTD

APOD from 2013-03-16 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-29T08:05:58Z

APOD from 2013-03-16

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130316.html

APOD from 2013-08-17 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-29T02:05:57Z

APOD from 2013-08-17

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130817.html

APOD from 2015-06-04 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-28T20:05:56Z

APOD from 2015-06-04

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150604.html

APOD from 2023-10-12 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-28T14:05:51Z

APOD from 2023-10-12

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231012.html

APOD from 2022-07-08 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-17T06:23:24Z

APOD from 2022-07-08

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220708.html

APOD from 2020-11-21 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-17T00:23:16Z

APOD from 2020-11-21

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap201121.html

APOD from 2016-06-25 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-16T18:23:27Z

APOD from 2016-06-25

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160625.html

APOD from 2016-02-23 NASA Science Discover the cosmos! Each day a ...

2026-10-16T12:23:18Z

APOD from 2016-02-23

NASA Science

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160223.html

APOD from 2007-04-14 #Venus by the Lake Venus shines as the ...

2026-03-27T01:43:25Z

APOD from 2007-04-14

#Venus by the Lake

Venus shines as the evening star, visible near the Pleiades cluster. This tranquil scene from Bolu, Turkey, captures Venus's reflection in a lake, with Aldebaran and Hyades to the left, Orion's stars further left, and Sirius on the far left—contrasted by a lakeside light.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070414.html

APOD from 2011-11-01 Hammer Versus Feather on the #Moon Galileo ...

2026-03-26T19:43:24Z

APOD from 2011-11-01

Hammer Versus Feather on the #Moon

Galileo and later scientists theorized that without air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate. Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott confirmed this on the Moon by dropping a hammer and feather together; they landed simultaneously, demonstrating the equivalence principle, which states gravity's pull is independent of an object's properties.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap111101.html

APOD from 2018-08-24 Messier 20 and 21 The Trifid Nebula (M20) ...

2026-03-26T13:43:22Z

APOD from 2018-08-24

Messier 20 and 21

The Trifid Nebula (M20) and star cluster M21 share a telescopic view in Sagittarius. At 5,000 light-years away, the 300,000-year-old Trifid spans 40 light-years, featuring young stars amidst its dust lanes. Though similarly distant, M21's stars are older at 8 million years, with no connection to M20.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180824.html

APOD from 2020-02-04 A Sunset Night Sky over the Grand Canyon ...

2026-03-26T07:43:31Z

APOD from 2020-02-04

A Sunset Night Sky over the Grand Canyon

Amateur photographer captures a stunning image at Grand Canyon's 220 Mile campsite: red-hued peaks from a sunset, later combined with the Milky Way, Saturn, and Jupiter. Visible Venus adds to the celestial display in current evening skies.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200204.html

APOD from 2016-05-09 #Webb #Telescope Mirror Rises after Assembly ...

2026-03-26T01:38:27Z

APOD from 2016-05-09

#Webb #Telescope Mirror Rises after Assembly

JWST's 6.5m gold-plated mirror, key to exploring the early universe and exoplanets, was recently raised vertically in a test. This powerful telescope, a joint mission by NASA, ESA, and CSA, will launch folded in late 2018 and later unfold in space.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160509.html

APOD from 2011-08-16 Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary #Nebula When ...

2026-03-25T19:38:27Z

APOD from 2011-08-16

Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary #Nebula

When a star like our Sun exhausts its fuel, it forms a white dwarf and expels its outer layers as a planetary nebula. Shapley 1, shown above, features a distinct ring structure, unrelated to actual planets but named for their telescopic resemblance.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110816.html

APOD from 2007-05-05 Sombrero #Galaxy Across the Spectrum This ...

2026-03-25T13:38:24Z

APOD from 2007-05-05

Sombrero #Galaxy Across the Spectrum

This composite image of the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) combines X-ray (Chandra, blue), optical (Hubble, green), and infrared (Spitzer, red) views. It reveals hot gas, starlight, and a dust ring in a galaxy 28 million light-years away.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070505.html

APOD from 2009-12-20 Tutulemma: Solar #Eclipse Analemma Capturing ...

2026-03-25T07:38:30Z

APOD from 2009-12-20

Tutulemma: Solar #Eclipse Analemma

Capturing the Sun's path at the same time daily creates an analemma, a figure-8 pattern. On Winter Solstice, it's at its lowest point. Analemmas vary by latitude and timing. A 'Tutulemma' includes a solar eclipse, like this composite from Turkey since 2005, featuring the 2006 eclipse and Venus.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap091220.html

APOD from 2011-03-11 AE Aurigae and the Flaming Star #Nebula AE ...

2026-03-25T01:39:06Z

APOD from 2011-03-11

AE Aurigae and the Flaming Star #Nebula

AE Aurigae, a bright O-type star, illuminates the Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) with scattered blue light and glowing hydrogen filaments. Born in Orion Nebula and ejected after close stellar encounters, it drifts away from its sibling star Mu Columbae. This image covers 5 light-years in Auriga.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110311.html

APOD from 2008-09-29 A True Image from False Kiva Night sky ...

2026-03-24T19:38:59Z

APOD from 2008-09-29

A True Image from False Kiva

Night sky mosaic from False Kiva, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, showcases the Milky Way, Jupiter, and moonlit buttes. The cave's stone circle is lit by flashlight. Captured by Wally Pacholka after a challenging hike with mountain lion concerns.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080929.html

APOD from 2025-10-06 The Changing Ion Tail of #Comet Lemmon Comet ...

2026-03-24T13:39:02Z

APOD from 2025-10-06

The Changing Ion Tail of #Comet Lemmon

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)'s ion tail changes were captured over six days, influenced by material ejection rates, solar wind, comet rotation, and Earth's perspective. The tail points away from the Sun and varies daily. Comet Lemmon is approaching its closest to Earth and Sun in October and November.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251006.html

APOD from 2023-05-31 Simulation: A Disk #Galaxy Forms This video ...

2026-03-24T07:39:04Z

APOD from 2023-05-31

Simulation: A Disk #Galaxy Forms

This video from IllustrisTNG shows a simulation of gas from the early universe forming a galaxy over billions of years. As gravity pulls gas together, a galactic center emerges, with satellite galaxies merging into it. The process mirrors our Milky Way's future collision with Andromeda.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230531.html

APOD from 2014-10-04 #Mars, Antares, #Moon and #Saturn Mars, ...

2026-03-24T01:45:31Z

APOD from 2014-10-04

#Mars, Antares, #Moon and #Saturn

Mars, Antares, Moon, and Saturn shine post-sunset on Sep 28. Captured by Lake Balaton, Hungary, their alignment near the ecliptic is joined by a sailboat's mast light in this tranquil scene.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap141004.html

APOD from 2024-04-20 Diamonds in the Sky During the April 8 solar ...

2026-03-23T19:45:26Z

APOD from 2024-04-20

Diamonds in the Sky

During the April 8 solar eclipse, observers in North America saw "diamond rings" as the Moon's shadow crossed. These phenomena occurred just before and after totality, when the Sun's sliver created a bright spot beside the Moon. A timelapse from Arkansas shows both diamond rings framing the solar corona.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240420.html

APOD from 2020-11-18 A Double Star Cluster in Perseus Open ...

2026-03-23T13:45:27Z

APOD from 2020-11-18

A Double Star Cluster in Perseus

Open clusters NGC 869 & NGC 884, or "h and chi Persei," form a bright double cluster in Perseus, visible without binoculars. Cataloged by Hipparchus, they're over 7,000 light-years away but only hundreds apart, suggesting a shared origin.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap201118.html

APOD from 2023-01-30 Globular Star Cluster NGC 6355 from #Hubble ...

2026-03-23T07:45:36Z

APOD from 2023-01-30

Globular Star Cluster NGC 6355 from #Hubble

Once abundant, less than 200 globular clusters remain in the Milky Way. Many were lost to collisions and the Galactic center's pull. The oldest, like NGC 6355 seen in a Hubble image, date back 13 billion years—older than Earth's fossils and predating other galactic structures.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230130.html

APOD from 2011-11-02 NGC 7380: The Wizard #Nebula The Wizard ...

2026-03-23T01:31:31Z

APOD from 2011-11-02

NGC 7380: The Wizard #Nebula

The Wizard Nebula, 8,000 light-years away, hosts star formation within gas and dust shaped like a sorcerer. Encompassing NGC 7380, it spans 100 light years—wider than the Moon's view. Visible in Cepheus with a small telescope, its fleeting existence contrasts with the longer lives of its stars.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap111102.html

APOD from 2007-10-27 The Great Carina #Nebula The Great Carina ...

2026-03-22T19:31:32Z

APOD from 2007-10-27

The Great Carina #Nebula

The Great Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), over 300 light-years wide, is a massive star-forming region visible to the naked eye. This image captures its glowing gas and dust, including Eta Carinae, a massive variable star near the Keyhole Nebula.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap071027.html

APOD from 2013-11-14 The Jets of NGC 1097 NGC 1097, a barred ...

2026-03-22T13:31:30Z

APOD from 2013-11-14

The Jets of NGC 1097

NGC 1097, a barred spiral galaxy in Fornax, is notable for its blue arms with star-forming regions and a companion galaxy. A deep exposure reveals mysterious jets, possibly fossil star streams from a disrupted galaxy. Its nucleus contains a supermassive black hole.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap131114.html

APOD from 2020-08-11 Churning Clouds on #Jupiter Juno spacecraft ...

2026-03-22T07:31:31Z

APOD from 2020-08-11

Churning Clouds on #Jupiter

Juno spacecraft data suggests Jupiter's missing ammonia is carried below by "mushballs" formed in shallow lightning. These mushballs fall and melt deep in the atmosphere, explaining the absence of ammonia in upper layers. This insight helps understand atmospheric phenomena on Earth too.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200811.html

APOD from 2011-05-18 The Last Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour ...

2026-03-22T01:28:13Z

APOD from 2011-05-18

The Last Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its final mission, STS-134, carrying six astronauts and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2 to the ISS. The AMS will search for dark matter, antimatter, and strangelets. Atlantis is set for the last shuttle flight in July.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110518.html

APOD from 2012-03-20 Evolution of the #Moon The Moon formed ~4.5 ...

2026-03-21T19:28:12Z

APOD from 2012-03-20

Evolution of the #Moon

The Moon formed ~4.5 billion years ago from debris after a Mars-sized object hit Earth. Its hot surface cooled, was bombarded by impacts, and lava filled its basins, forming dark maria visible from Earth. Its formation and near-side maria are still studied.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120320.html

APOD from 2015-12-24 Star Colors and Pinyon Pine Stars of ...

2026-03-21T13:28:13Z

APOD from 2015-12-24

Star Colors and Pinyon Pine

Stars of Scorpius and the Milky Way glow behind a sharp pinyon pine on Earth's Grand Canyon rim. Out-of-focus stars appear as colorful disks, with blue hues indicating hotter temperatures than our Sun. Red giant Antares stands out, while Saturn's whitish disk is also visible.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap151224.html

APOD from 2025-09-26 A SWAN, an ATLAS, and #Mars Comet C/2025 R2 ...

2026-03-21T07:28:20Z

APOD from 2025-09-26

A SWAN, an ATLAS, and #Mars

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) with a long ion tail and the fainter C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) are captured in Virgo alongside Mars. Discovered in 2025, SWAN is outbound post-perihelion, while ATLAS approaches its closest Sun passage on October 8.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250926.html

APOD from 2019-09-08 Perijove 11: Passing #Jupiter Juno ...

2026-03-21T01:35:01Z

APOD from 2019-09-08

Perijove 11: Passing #Jupiter

Juno spacecraft's time-lapse video from perijove 11 shows a close-up of Jupiter's clouds and storms over 4 hours, condensed into a short clip. Captured from just 3,500 km above, the footage reveals details larger than Earth's hurricanes before Juno retreats, braving intense radiation for science.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190908.html

APOD from 2017-06-26 Artistic Impression: The Surface of ...

2026-03-20T19:35:02Z

APOD from 2017-06-26

Artistic Impression: The Surface of TRAPPIST-1f

Illustration based on Spitzer data imagines the view from TRAPPIST-1f, with possible water, ice, rock, and clouds. The red dwarf star looms large in the sky. Seven Earth-sized planets in the system could harbor life, yet no signals have been detected.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170626.html

APOD from 2014-03-18 Cosmic Microwave Map Swirls Indicate ...

2026-03-20T13:35:02Z

APOD from 2014-03-18

Cosmic Microwave Map Swirls Indicate Inflation

New results from BICEP2 suggest the universe's rapid inflation through strong B-mode polarization signals in cosmic microwave background radiation. These swirl patterns, caused by gravitational effects on photons, support the inflation theory but await independent confirmation.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140318.html

APOD from 2019-08-12 Perseid Meteors over Slovakia Catch the ...

2026-03-20T07:35:03Z

APOD from 2019-08-12

Perseid Meteors over Slovakia

Catch the Perseid Meteor Shower peak tonight, as comet dust creates streaks in the night sky. Last year's event at Slovakia's Poloniny Dark Sky Park is shown, featuring a planetarium. Meteors appear to radiate from constellation Perseus due to perspective. Bright moon may affect visibility.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190812.html

APOD from 2020-09-01 Salt Water Remnants on Ceres Ceres may have ...

2026-03-20T01:36:40Z

APOD from 2020-09-01

Salt Water Remnants on Ceres

Ceres may have deep water pockets, suggested by the bright spots of evaporated saltwater on its surface. Dawn's 2015 images support this idea, likening Ceres to some moons. The video highlights these spots in false-color pink. Dawn was retired in 2018 to prevent contamination of potential life on Ceres.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200901.html

APOD from 2013-05-05 A Supercell Thunderstorm Cloud Over Montana ...

2026-03-19T19:36:49Z

APOD from 2013-05-05

A Supercell Thunderstorm Cloud Over Montana

A supercell thunderstorm, not a spaceship, shows a mesocyclone with rotating updrafts. Photographed near Glasgow, Montana, it caused minor damage and lasted hours.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130505.html

APOD from 2009-06-24 Noctilucent Clouds Over Germany Noctilucent ...

2026-03-19T13:36:42Z

APOD from 2009-06-24

Noctilucent Clouds Over Germany

Noctilucent clouds, high in the atmosphere, glowed eerily post-sunset above Potsdam, Germany. These mysterious clouds may form from Space Shuttle water exhaust and are studied by satellites like Odin and AIM.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090624.html

APOD from 2008-06-27 M81: Feeding a Black Hole Composite image of ...

2026-03-19T07:36:47Z

APOD from 2008-06-27

M81: Feeding a Black Hole

Composite image of spiral galaxy M81 combines X-ray, infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light data, revealing its black holes. The central supermassive black hole and binary star system black holes show similar accretion processes despite size differences. M81 is located in Ursa Major, 12 million light-years away.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080627.html

APOD from 2018-02-17 Manhattan Skylines Manhattan's city ...

2026-03-19T01:39:03Z

APOD from 2018-02-17

Manhattan Skylines

Manhattan's city lights illuminate the night in a composite monochrome image, reminiscent of old black and white photography. Stars create trails over Central Park in this 2m 40s time-lapse, while the ISS dashes across, its intermittent path due to short exposure gaps.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180217.html

APOD from 2024-12-07 Rocket Engine Fireplace Enjoy a cozy view of ...

2026-03-17T07:39:00Z

APOD from 2024-12-07

Rocket Engine Fireplace

Enjoy a cozy view of NASA's holiday rocket engine fireplace video, featuring the muted roar of Space Launch System's RS-25 engines and crackling fire sounds. The loop includes AI elements and Artemis I imagery, celebrating the mission's November 2022 launch.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241207.html

APOD from 2017-06-11 IC 418: The Spirograph #Nebula The ...

2026-03-14T19:29:42Z

APOD from 2017-06-11

IC 418: The Spirograph #Nebula

The Spirograph Nebula (IC 418) displays unexplained patterns, possibly due to its central star's erratic winds. Once like our Sun, it evolved into a red giant and is now shedding its outer layers, leaving a core that will become a white dwarf. This Hubble image captures the nebula's odd texture.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170611.html

APOD from 2009-12-10 The Colors of IC 1795 Glowing gas and dust ...

2026-03-12T13:34:45Z

APOD from 2009-12-10

The Colors of IC 1795

Glowing gas and dust in IC 1795, a star-forming region in Cassiopeia, are captured using the Hubble palette to map emissions from oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur. Near the Heart Nebula and 6,000 light-years away, this image spans 70 light-years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap091210.html

APOD from 2018-02-16 #Comet PanSTARRS is near the Edge Wide field ...

2026-03-10T13:32:24Z

APOD from 2018-02-16

#Comet PanSTARRS is near the Edge

Wide field photo captures the blue comet PanSTARRS near cosmic landmarks. The California Nebula glows red from ionized hydrogen, while the Pleiades cluster shines blue from starlight reflecting off dust. The comet's unique hue comes from ionized carbon monoxide in its tail, 17 light minutes away.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180216.html

APOD from 2007-03-05 Illusion and Evolution in #Galaxy Cluster ...

2026-03-10T07:32:17Z

APOD from 2007-03-05

Illusion and Evolution in #Galaxy Cluster Abell 2667

Hubble's image of Abell 2667 shows galaxies undergoing different processes. One is breaking up due to ram pressure stripping as it moves through the cluster, forming new star knots. Another appears stretched by gravitational lensing but is actually behind the cluster, undistorted. These phenomena help us understand galactic evolution.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070305.html

APOD from 2018-01-31 The First Explorer 60 years ago, Explorer I ...

2026-03-10T01:38:08Z

APOD from 2018-01-31

The First Explorer

60 years ago, Explorer I launched, starting the US space era. It carried instruments to measure space conditions and led to the discovery of the Van Allen Radiation belts—zones of trapped high-energy particles in Earth's magnetosphere.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180131.html

APOD from 2008-11-17 HR 8799: Discovery of a Multi-planet Star ...

2026-03-09T19:38:09Z

APOD from 2008-11-17

HR 8799: Discovery of a Multi-planet Star System

Over 300 planetary systems found by 2008, but few like ours. Recently, HR 8799's image showed planets orbiting a Sun-like star 130 light-years away. Captured by Keck telescope, this system has large Jupiter-sized planets with wide orbits, hinting at the diversity of planetary systems in our galaxy.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap081117.html

APOD from 2010-07-18 The Antennae Galaxies in Collision Two ...

2026-03-09T13:38:09Z

APOD from 2010-07-18

The Antennae Galaxies in Collision

Two galaxies clash in Corvus, their stars rarely colliding due to vast empty space. Over millions of years, gravitational forces can tear them apart, while dust and gas do collide. This cosmic battle compresses molecular clouds, sparking the birth of millions of stars and massive star clusters.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100718.html

APOD from 2013-06-04 Orion #Nebula in Oxygen, Hydrogen, and ...

2026-03-09T07:38:11Z

APOD from 2013-06-04

Orion #Nebula in Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Sulfur

The Orion Nebula, a stellar nursery 1,500 light-years away, is illuminated by young stars and spans 40 light-years. Visible shock waves crisscross its glowing gas. Seen in hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur emissions, it's visible to the naked eye and will disperse over 100,000 years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130604.html

APOD from 2020-11-13 The Tarantula Zone The Tarantula Nebula in ...

2026-03-09T01:27:05Z

APOD from 2020-11-13

The Tarantula Zone

The Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud is a vast star-forming region, visible here with narrowband filters highlighting hydrogen and oxygen emissions. Its central cluster R136 ignites the nebula's glow, shaping its filamentary structure. This view also includes SN 1987A and spans 4 full moons across Dorado.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap201113.html

APOD from 2009-01-26 AE Aurigae and the Flaming Star #Nebula AE ...

2026-03-08T19:27:09Z

APOD from 2009-01-26

AE Aurigae and the Flaming Star #Nebula

AE Aurigae, the "flaming star," isn't on fire. Its surrounding Flaming Star Nebula appears fiery with red "smoke" of hydrogen and dust but lacks oxygen for actual combustion. The blue star's intense light ionizes nearby gas, which emits red light. This nebula in Auriga is 1,500 light-years away and spans 5 light-years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090126.html

APOD from 2007-06-06 Dust Sculptures in the Rosette #Nebula Dark ...

2026-03-08T13:27:05Z

APOD from 2007-06-06

Dust Sculptures in the Rosette #Nebula

Dark dust globules in the Rosette Nebula are sculpted by light and winds from nearby stars. If undisturbed, they could form new stars and planets. This 50-light-year-wide nebula is 4,500 light-years away in Monoceros, imaged in Sulfur (red), Hydrogen (green), and Oxygen (blue) colors.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070606.html

APOD from 2017-01-28 N159 in the Large Magellanic Cloud Cosmic ...

2026-03-08T07:27:05Z

APOD from 2017-01-28

N159 in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Cosmic maelstrom N159, over 150 light-years wide in the Large Magellanic Cloud, is sculpted by massive stars. The Papillon Nebula, a bright region within N159, contains young forming stars and is newly resolved by Hubble.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170128.html

APOD from 2017-01-21 Daphnis the Wavemaker Cassini's closest ...

2026-03-08T01:24:31Z

APOD from 2017-01-21

Daphnis the Wavemaker

Cassini's closest view of Saturn's moon Daphnis, 8km wide, reveals waves in the Keeler gap's ring material caused by its gravity. Details like an equatorial ridge on Daphnis are visible, suggesting particle accumulation from the rings.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170121.html

APOD from 2016-01-10 Sun Storm: A Coronal Mass Ejection SOHO ...

2026-03-06T13:31:53Z

APOD from 2016-01-10

Sun Storm: A Coronal Mass Ejection

SOHO spacecraft captured a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun, showing magnetic plasma bubbles. The 2002 image combines direct and ultraviolet light views, extending over two million kilometers. CMEs, more frequent near solar maximum, can impact space weather and Earth.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160110.html

APOD from 2025-08-17 Asperitas Clouds Over New Zealand Newly ...

2026-03-05T19:33:13Z

APOD from 2025-08-17

Asperitas Clouds Over New Zealand

Newly recognized asperitas clouds, with unknown origins and dramatic undulating structures, differ from typical flat-bottomed clouds. Not linked to severe weather, they may relate to mountainous or thunderstorm-associated clouds. This 2005 photo from New Zealand captures their detailed formations lit from the side.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250817.html

APOD from 2019-02-26 Simulation TNG50: A #Galaxy Cluster Forms ...

2026-03-05T13:33:16Z

APOD from 2019-02-26

Simulation TNG50: A #Galaxy Cluster Forms

Computer simulations like TNG50 from IllustrisTNG visualize galaxy cluster formation by tracking cosmic gas and star movements. The video shows galaxies forming, spinning, merging, and the complex outflows from central black holes, aiding our understanding of Earth's origins.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190226.html

APOD from 2017-06-08 Firefall by Moonlight Yosemite's ...

2026-03-05T07:33:17Z

APOD from 2017-06-08

Firefall by Moonlight

Yosemite's Horsetail Fall appears fiery at sunset on certain February dates, given clear weather and correct solar alignment. Rarely, it's also captured by moonlight, as in this photo of the fall lit by a setting gibbous Moon under a starry sky on May 9.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170608.html

APOD from 2015-08-30 M31: The Andromeda #Galaxy Andromeda (M31), ...

2026-03-05T01:31:17Z

APOD from 2015-08-30

M31: The Andromeda #Galaxy

Andromeda (M31), the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way, dominates the Local Group with its hundreds of billions of stars. This image is a 20-frame mosaic taken by a small telescope. M31's light takes two million years to reach us, and its future collision with our galaxy remains uncertain.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150830.html

APOD from 2014-08-29 The Wizard #Nebula NGC 7380, the Wizard ...

2026-03-04T19:31:19Z

APOD from 2014-08-29

The Wizard #Nebula

NGC 7380, the Wizard Nebula, is an open star cluster within a gas and dust cloud 8,000 light-years away in Cepheus. This young 4-million-year-old cluster, imaged from Earth with narrowband filters, reveals vibrant shapes in Hubble-esque colors. A cursor trick on the image can hide stars to show only the nebula.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140829.html

APOD from 2019-12-12 Decorating the Sky A cosmic scene near ...

2026-03-04T13:31:19Z

APOD from 2019-12-12

Decorating the Sky

A cosmic scene near Orion's belt features bright stars, dust clouds, and nebulae across 5.5 degrees. Blue M78, a reflection nebula, shines on the right, while red Barnard's Loop crosses the center. Nearby, dark cloud LDN 1622 stands out. M78 and Barnard's Loop are 1,500 light-years away; LDN 1622 is closer at 500 light-years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap191212.html

APOD from 2017-02-21 An Active Night over the Magellan Telescopes ...

2026-03-04T07:31:20Z

APOD from 2017-02-21

An Active Night over the Magellan Telescopes

Over six hours at Chile's Las Campanas Observatory, the sky changes behind Magellan Telescopes. Airglow colors the horizon, satellites zip by, and the Milky Way pivots with Earth's rotation. The telescopes swivel, studying the ever-changing night sky.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170221.html

APOD from 2014-09-10 Laniakea: Our Home Supercluster of Galaxies ...

2026-03-04T01:33:06Z

APOD from 2014-09-10

Laniakea: Our Home Supercluster of Galaxies

The Laniakea Supercluster, containing thousands of galaxies including the Milky Way, spans 500 million light-years. This visualization shows its structure in green with galaxy motions in white lines, and our location as a blue dot. Hawaiian for "immense heaven," Laniakea is one of the largest known cosmic structures.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140910.html

APOD from 2015-10-18 Mammatus Clouds Over Saskatchewan Mammatus ...

2026-03-03T19:33:02Z

APOD from 2015-10-18

Mammatus Clouds Over Saskatchewan

Mammatus clouds, with their bubbly appearance, form when large water or ice droplets fall and evaporate in clear air, often near thunderstorms. Sunlit from the side, they create a dramatic sky, like this 2012 photo over Regina, Canada.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap151018.html

APOD from 2022-09-24 September Sunrise Shadows On Sep 23, 2022, ...

2026-03-03T13:33:03Z

APOD from 2022-09-24

September Sunrise Shadows

On Sep 23, 2022, at 01:03 UTC, the Sun crossed the celestial equator, marking fall in the northern hemisphere and spring in the south. Equinox brings nearly equal day and night globally. This image from Petacciato, Italy captures crepuscular rays and reflections during an equinox sunrise.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220924.html

APOD from 2020-11-12 #Comet ATLAS and Orion's Belt Comet ...

2026-03-03T07:33:02Z

APOD from 2020-11-12

#Comet ATLAS and Orion's Belt

Comet ATLAS (C/2020 M3), discovered by NASA's ATLAS system, will make its closest approach to Earth on Nov 14. Visible with binoculars in Orion, a photo blends exposures to reveal details unseen by the naked eye, including its greenish coma and nearby nebulae.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap201112.html

APOD from 2008-12-13 The 60-inch Reflector In 1908, Mount ...

2026-03-03T01:36:57Z

APOD from 2008-12-13

The 60-inch Reflector

In 1908, Mount Wilson's 60-inch telescope, a pioneering large reflector, first peered at the stars. It paved the way for modern telescopes and was used by notable astronomers like Shapley and Hubble to explore the cosmos. A century later, it observed the Moon-Venus-Jupiter conjunction.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap081213.html

APOD from 2016-03-25 Close #Comet and the Milky Way Comet ...

2026-03-02T19:36:55Z

APOD from 2016-03-25

Close #Comet and the Milky Way

Comet 252P/Linear, with its bright greenish coma, was visible in Flinders, Australia. Captured in a wide-field mosaic below the Milky Way, it was tailless and spanned about 1 degree. The photo was taken just before its closest approach to Earth at 5.3 million kilometers.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160325.html

APOD from 2023-01-12 Stardust in Perseus Spanning 6 degrees in ...

2026-03-02T13:36:58Z

APOD from 2023-01-12

Stardust in Perseus

Spanning 6 degrees in Perseus, this cosmic vista features young star cluster IC 348, Flying Ghost Nebula, and star-forming region NGC 1333. Dusty clouds and hydrogen gas fill the scene, hiding protostars within the Perseus Molecular Cloud, located roughly 850 light-years away and extending over 90 light-years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230112.html

APOD from 2007-10-31 Halloween and the Ghost Head #Nebula ...

2026-03-02T07:36:55Z

APOD from 2007-10-31

Halloween and the Ghost Head #Nebula

Halloween, a cross-quarter day since 5th century BC, is halfway between an equinox and solstice. Traditionally for scaring spirits, it's symbolized by the Ghost Head Nebula (NGC 2080)—a star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, spanning 50 light-years, captured by Hubble.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap071031.html

APOD from 2024-12-25 Diamond Dust Sky Eye A bright Moon rising ...

2026-03-02T01:29:07Z

APOD from 2024-12-25

Diamond Dust Sky Eye

A bright Moon rising through ice fog in the Czech Republic created a stunning sky display. Ice crystals, or "diamond dust," reflected light to form halos, arcs, and even a giant eye illusion. The scene included Moon dogs, tangent arcs, and light pillars with Jupiter and Mars visible inside the halo.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241225.html

APOD from 2018-07-17 #Moon and #Venus over Cannon Beach The ...

2026-03-01T19:29:05Z

APOD from 2018-07-17

#Moon and #Venus over Cannon Beach

The crescent Moon recently passed Venus, appearing very close in the sky. This conjunction follows a partial solar eclipse and precedes the Moon's gibbous phase, a full Thunder Moon, and a total lunar eclipse on July 27. The cycle continues with a new moon and another partial solar eclipse next month.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180717.html

APOD from 2012-08-25 Perseid over Albrechtsberg Castle ...

2026-03-01T13:29:12Z

APOD from 2012-08-25

Perseid over Albrechtsberg Castle

Albrechtsberg Castle in Austria, framed by summer constellations like Aquarius and Delphinus, was graced by a bright Perseid meteor. The meteor's trail aligns with its radiant in Perseus, originating from comet Swift-Tuttle debris entering at 60 km/s.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120825.html

APOD from 2022-09-03 Sun and #Moon and ISS On Aug 25, the ISS ...

2026-03-01T07:29:03Z

APOD from 2022-09-03

Sun and #Moon and ISS

On Aug 25, the ISS transited the Moon and Sun from Beijing. The lunar pass occurred at 11:02 am; the solar followed 29s later. Images from two districts, scaled to match, show the ISS at distances of 435km (Moon) and 491km (Sun).

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220903.html

APOD from 2020-06-13 SpaceX Demo-2 Launch A near-infrared photo ...

2026-03-01T01:23:20Z

APOD from 2020-06-13

SpaceX Demo-2 Launch

A near-infrared photo captures a dramatic sky over Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. The Falcon 9 rocket launched Crew Dragon with astronauts Behnken and Hurley—the first crewed US launch since 2011. They docked with the ISS after the Falcon 9's first stage landed at sea.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200613.html

APOD from 2006-06-25 M57: The Ring #Nebula Astronomers discovered ...

2026-02-28T19:23:20Z

APOD from 2006-06-25

M57: The Ring #Nebula

Astronomers discovered M57, the Ring Nebula, a planetary nebula in Lyra, visible with small telescopes. About 4,000 light-years away and 500 times our Solar System's diameter, Hubble's image reveals its cylindrical shape through distant dust filaments.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap060625.html

APOD from 2010-08-15 Layered Hills in Arabia Terra on #Mars ...

2026-02-28T13:23:22Z

APOD from 2010-08-15

Layered Hills in Arabia Terra on #Mars

Layered hills in Mars' Arabia Terra are surrounded by dark sand, with light rock sediment clearly structured into many layers. Windblown sand may have eroded these mesas into the shelves seen today. Captured by Mars Global Surveyor in 2003, the area spans about 3 km.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100815.html

APOD from 2017-09-28 LIGO-Virgo GW170814 Skymap Three ...

2026-02-28T07:23:21Z

APOD from 2017-09-28

LIGO-Virgo GW170814 Skymap

Three gravitational wave detectors, LIGO and Virgo, reported the fourth detection of a binary black hole merger, GW170814. Occurring 1.8 billion light-years away, the event's precise location was pinpointed above the Magellanic clouds toward Eridanus, aiding follow-up observations and confirming general relativity predictions.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170928.html

APOD from 2010-08-21 Perseid Storm Lightning, a Perseid meteor, ...

2026-02-28T01:34:33Z

APOD from 2010-08-21

Perseid Storm

Lightning, a Perseid meteor, and Jupiter illuminate this composite nightscape from Colorado's Pawnee National Grasslands. Captured during the Keota Star Party, the scene also features the Pleiades cluster and Andromeda Galaxy above storm clouds.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100821.html

APOD from 2017-10-27 Mirach's Ghost Mirach's Ghost, a ...

2026-02-27T19:34:29Z

APOD from 2017-10-27

Mirach's Ghost

Mirach's Ghost, a faint galaxy near bright star Mirach (Beta Andromedae), appears ghostly due to telescopic glare. While Mirach is a red giant 200 light-years away, NGC 404 lies about 10 million light-years distant, just above and left of the star in this sharp image.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap171027.html

APOD from 2015-06-22 New Horizons New Horizons nears Pluto, ...

2026-02-27T13:34:39Z

APOD from 2015-06-22

New Horizons

New Horizons nears Pluto, continuing a 50+ year epoch of Solar System exploration. Past missions to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are highlighted. If successful, Pluto will be the farthest world explored by humanity.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150622.html

APOD from 2026-02-19 IC 2574: Coddington's #Nebula Dwarf ...

2026-02-27T07:34:33Z

APOD from 2026-02-19

IC 2574: Coddington's #Nebula

Dwarf galaxy IC 2574, part of the M81 group in Ursa Major, actively forms stars in its glowing hydrogen regions. At 12 million light-years away and 50,000 light-years wide, this irregular galaxy's star birth is fueled by stellar winds and supernovae.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap260219.html

APOD from 2015-07-19 The First Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral ...

2026-02-27T01:37:12Z

APOD from 2015-07-19

The First Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral

In 1950, the Bumper V-2 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, marking a new era in space flight. It reached record altitudes of nearly 400 km, testing systems and upper atmosphere research before NASA's formation post-Sputnik launches.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150719.html

APOD from 2024-02-19 Looking Sideways from the Parker Solar Probe ...

2026-02-26T19:37:15Z

APOD from 2024-02-19

Looking Sideways from the Parker Solar Probe

NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) orbits closer to the Sun than ever, investigating solar phenomena. A time-lapse from its 16th approach shows the corona, a mass ejection, and cosmic backdrop over 11 days, revealing a complex solar neighborhood with magnetic switchbacks.

Video at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240219.html

APOD from 2016-03-20 A Picturesque Equinox Sunset On the equinox, ...

2026-02-26T13:37:19Z

APOD from 2016-03-20

A Picturesque Equinox Sunset

On the equinox, the Sun aligns with east-west roads during sunrise/set. This image from Illinois, USA, captures such a moment on the March Equinox of 2015, marking a day of equal daylight and darkness globally.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap160320.html

APOD from 2009-05-11 Forty Thousand #Meteor Origins Across the ...

2026-02-26T07:37:13Z

APOD from 2009-05-11

Forty Thousand #Meteor Origins Across the Sky

A network of 100+ cameras in Japan recorded 240,000 meteors over two years, tracing back their paths to identify known and 11 new meteor showers. This research could reveal unknown comets or asteroids near Earth.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090511.html

APOD from 2013-05-12 Clouds, Birds, #Moon, #Venus In 2010, a ...

2026-02-26T01:37:29Z

APOD from 2013-05-12

Clouds, Birds, #Moon, #Venus

In 2010, a stunning sky show featured a crescent Moon and Venus aligned at sunset in Spain, with dark storm clouds and a white anvil cloud adding drama. Birds dotted the scene briefly before the celestial bodies set. Venus will be visible post-sunset near Jupiter in May 2013.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130512.html

APOD from 2023-02-19 Seven Dusty Sisters in #Infrared Infrared ...

2026-02-25T19:37:37Z

APOD from 2023-02-19

Seven Dusty Sisters in #Infrared

Infrared WISE imagery reveals the Pleiades cluster (M45) amid dust filaments, with colors mapped to different wavelengths (R=24, G=12, B=4.6 microns). The stars' light and winds shape the surrounding dust in this 20-light-year-wide view, 450 light years away in Taurus.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230219.html

APOD from 2018-09-22 Window Seat over Hudson Bay During a flight ...

2026-02-25T13:37:32Z

APOD from 2018-09-22

Window Seat over Hudson Bay

During a flight from San Francisco to Zurich, a window seat captured the aurora borealis and a Perseid meteor beneath the Big Dipper. The image, made by stacking six exposures, shows the northern lights and dawn horizon at 100 km altitude—where both aurorae and meteors originate.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180922.html

APOD from 2010-10-13 Science Museum #Hubble The Hubble Space ...

2026-02-25T07:37:36Z

APOD from 2010-10-13

Science Museum #Hubble

The Hubble Space Telescope won't end up in a museum; it's planned to be de-orbited into the ocean. Replicas, however, are displayed worldwide, like the one at Italy's Palazzo Loredan, celebrating Hubble's 20th anniversary amidst historic decor.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap101013.html

APOD from 2024-03-31 Total Solar #Eclipse Below the Bottom of the ...

2026-02-25T01:36:59Z

APOD from 2024-03-31

Total Solar #Eclipse Below the Bottom of the World

During a 2021 total solar eclipse, an airplane captured the Sun's outer corona and the Moon's silhouette. Visible are the plane's wing and engine, another aircraft, and Mercury. The dark sky is a shadow cone. The next total eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240331.html

APOD from 2023-10-30 Reflections of the Ghost #Nebula Stellar ...

2026-02-24T19:37:02Z

APOD from 2023-10-30

Reflections of the Ghost #Nebula

Stellar clouds in Cepheus, 1,200 light-years away, form ghostly shapes against the Milky Way. The Ghost Nebula (VdB 141), over two light-years wide, reveals early star formation stages within its glowing expanse.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231030.html

APOD from 2017-07-02 Mountains of Dust in the Carina #Nebula ...

2026-02-24T13:36:58Z

APOD from 2017-07-02

Mountains of Dust in the Carina #Nebula

Massive stars in the Carina Nebula are dispersing their dusty nurseries with light and winds. The "Mystic Mountain" pillars, mostly hydrogen but appearing dark due to dust, are being eroded. Captured by Hubble, this 3-light-year-wide scene is 7,500 light-years away and will clear in a few million years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170702.html

APOD from 2019-05-10 Halley Dust and Milky Way Cosmic dust ...

2026-02-24T07:37:00Z

APOD from 2019-05-10

Halley Dust and Milky Way

Cosmic dust created a meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, from Comet Halley's debris. A composite image captures 20 meteors over 2 hours, with trails pointing to the radiant near star Eta Aquarii. Viewed from south of Sydney, the fast-moving meteors (66 km/s) are joined by Jupiter and the Southern Cross in the sky.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190510.html

APOD from 2019-05-11 Milky Way, Launch, and Landing A composite ...

2026-02-24T01:40:23Z

APOD from 2019-05-11

Milky Way, Launch, and Landing

A composite image captures the Milky Way using a long-exposure shot for vivid colors and a separate exposure for a Falcon 9 rocket launch and landing at Merritt Island. The rocket, carrying supplies to the ISS, is seen performing a boost back burn and landing on a drone ship.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap190511.html

APOD from 2009-12-28 Barred Spiral #Galaxy NGC 6217 Hubble's ...

2026-02-23T19:40:26Z

APOD from 2009-12-28

Barred Spiral #Galaxy NGC 6217

Hubble's Advanced Camera captures barred spiral galaxy NGC 6217 in detail, featuring dust lanes, star clusters, red nebulas, and a bright nucleus with a likely supermassive black hole. Located in Ursa Minor, it's 60 million light-years away and spans 30,000 light-years.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap091228.html

APOD from 2018-05-03 Opposite the Setting Sun Full Moon rises ...

2026-02-23T13:40:30Z

APOD from 2018-05-03

Opposite the Setting Sun

Full Moon rises opposite the setting Sun in Alabama, with Earth's shadow and Belt of Venus visible. Bright Jupiter nears opposition, flanked by Galilean moons Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Despite its size in the sky, the Moon is smaller than some moons of Jupiter. Jet trails cross the sky.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap180503.html

APOD from 2023-08-05 NGC 1360: The Robin's Egg #Nebula ...

2026-02-23T07:40:23Z

APOD from 2023-08-05

NGC 1360: The Robin's Egg #Nebula

Robin's egg-shaped NGC 1360, a planetary nebula 1,500 light-years away in Fornax, spans 3 light-years. It marks an aging star's end, not the beginning. Its blue-green glow comes from electrons recombining with oxygen ions around its central binary white dwarf stars.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230805.html

APOD from 2017-04-26 Mt. Etna Lava Plume Italy's Mt. Etna, ...

2026-02-23T01:30:15Z

APOD from 2017-04-26

Mt. Etna Lava Plume

Italy's Mt. Etna, one of Earth's most active and largest volcanoes, erupts with a lava plume and volcanic bombs. A long-exposure photo captures this event along with star trails due to Earth's rotation.

HD image at https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170426.html