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Search results for tag #astronomy

[?]Eve :verified: » 🌐
@evelynefoerster@swiss.social

Astronomen finden „dunkles Objekt“
Klumpen aus Dunkler Materie im fernen Kosmos ist eine Million Sonnenmassen schwer 🤓
scinexx.de/news/kosmos/astrono

    [?]grobi » 🌐
    @grobi@defcon.social

    WIde Separation Planets In Time (WISPIT): A Gap-clearing Planet in a Multi-ringed
    Disk around the Young Solar-type Star WISPIT 2

    CREDIT:
    Richelle F. van Capelleveen1 aa, Christian Ginski2aa, Matthew A. Kenworthy1 aa, Jake Byrne2 aa, Chloe Lawlor2 aa,
    Dan McLachlan2aa, Eric E. Mamajek3aa, Tomas Stolker1 aa, Myriam Benisty4 aa, Alexander J. Bohn1aa, Laird M. Close5 aa,
    Carsten Dominik6 aa, Sebastiaan Haffert1,5aa, Rico Landman1aa, Jie Ma7 aa, Ignas Snellen1 aa, Ryo Tazaki8 aa,
    Nienke van der Marel1 aa, Lukas Welzel1 aa, and Yapeng Zhang9aa1 Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Postbus 9513, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; capelleveen@strw.leidenuniv.nl
    2 School of Natural Sciences, Center for Astronomy, University of Galway, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
    3 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, M/S 321-162, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
    4 Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Königstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
    5 Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, 933 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
    6 Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    7 Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Institut de Planétologie et d’Astrophysique (IPAG), F-38000, France
    8 Department of Earth Science and Astronomy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
    9 Department of Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
    Received 2025 July 3; revised 2025 July 28; accepted 2025 August 2; published 2025 August 26

    .. please see:
    iopscience.iop.org/article/10.

    Figure 1. Shown here is a SPHERE/IRDIS multiband image of the WISPIT 2 system. The H-band Qϕ image was added as the blue channel and the median combination of H-band and Ks-band Qϕ images was added as the green channel. The red channel is a combination of a Ks-band Qϕ image and a Ks-band cADI image in which we masked all but the gap containing the thermal emission from WISPIT 2b. For more details, see Appendix G.

    Alt...Figure 1. Shown here is a SPHERE/IRDIS multiband image of the WISPIT 2 system. The H-band Qϕ image was added as the blue channel and the median combination of H-band and Ks-band Qϕ images was added as the green channel. The red channel is a combination of a Ks-band Qϕ image and a Ks-band cADI image in which we masked all but the gap containing the thermal emission from WISPIT 2b. For more details, see Appendix G.

    Figure 4. All detections of the embedded planet WISPIT 2b in the various observation epochs and filters are shown. We indicate the embedded planet position with a white, dotted circle. The coronagraph position is indicated with a gray, hashed mask. For the 2025 Ks-band data, we show that the embedded planet is recovered with classical and PCA-based ADI as well as in iRDI.

    Alt...Figure 4. All detections of the embedded planet WISPIT 2b in the various observation epochs and filters are shown. We indicate the embedded planet position with a white, dotted circle. The coronagraph position is indicated with a gray, hashed mask. For the 2025 Ks-band data, we show that the embedded planet is recovered with classical and PCA-based ADI as well as in iRDI.

    Figure 3. SPHERE/IRDIS observations of the WISPIT 2 system are shown here. The gray, hashed disk in the image center indicates the size of the coronagraphic mask. The differential imaging method and observed wave band for each image are indicated in the top-left corner. Blue-hued images reduced with the ADI or RDI (50 principal components) methods are showing total intensity, sensitive to disk scattered light and thermal emission from embedded planets. The gray-hued images are Qϕ images (reduced with the PDI method) showing linearly polarized scattered light, not sensitive to thermal emission.

    Alt...Figure 3. SPHERE/IRDIS observations of the WISPIT 2 system are shown here. The gray, hashed disk in the image center indicates the size of the coronagraphic mask. The differential imaging method and observed wave band for each image are indicated in the top-left corner. Blue-hued images reduced with the ADI or RDI (50 principal components) methods are showing total intensity, sensitive to disk scattered light and thermal emission from embedded planets. The gray-hued images are Qϕ images (reduced with the PDI method) showing linearly polarized scattered light, not sensitive to thermal emission.

    Figure 5. Polarized light Qϕ image of the WISPIT 2 system taken in the H band. We indicate the various substructures that we are detecting within the scattered light signal of the planet-forming disk. Clusters of bad pixels from the detector are seen near the lower edge of the image.

    Alt...Figure 5. Polarized light Qϕ image of the WISPIT 2 system taken in the H band. We indicate the various substructures that we are detecting within the scattered light signal of the planet-forming disk. Clusters of bad pixels from the detector are seen near the lower edge of the image.

    Figure 6. Left and middle panels: geometric fitting of the disk in both H-band and Ks-band images. Right panel: the aspect ratio (h/r) vs. radius (au) of both bands. For comparison, we include the literature measurements of C. Ginski et al. (2016), H. Avenhaus et al. (2018),and C. Ginski et al. (2024) for a total of 17 disks (some of which also have a multiple ringed substructure) as gray data points.

    Alt...Figure 6. Left and middle panels: geometric fitting of the disk in both H-band and Ks-band images. Right panel: the aspect ratio (h/r) vs. radius (au) of both bands. For comparison, we include the literature measurements of C. Ginski et al. (2016), H. Avenhaus et al. (2018),and C. Ginski et al. (2024) for a total of 17 disks (some of which also have a multiple ringed substructure) as gray data points.

    Figure 8. Top panel: predicted orbits of the planet (known astrometry denoted by red star) overlaid on the H-band polarized scattered light image. Bottom panel: extracted orbital elements and total system mass.

    Alt...Figure 8. Top panel: predicted orbits of the planet (known astrometry denoted by red star) overlaid on the H-band polarized scattered light image. Bottom panel: extracted orbital elements and total system mass.

      [?]grobi » 🌐
      @grobi@defcon.social

      2025 August 27

      WISPIT 2b: Exoplanet Carves Gap in Birth Disk
      * Image Credit: ESO, VLT, SPHERE
      eso.org/
      eso.org/public/teles-instr/par
      eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal
      * Processing & Copyright: ESO, Richelle van Capelleveen (Leiden Obs.) et al.
      richellevc.github.io/
      universiteitleiden.nl/en/scien
      iopscience.iop.org/article/10.
      eso.org/
      * Text: Ogetay Kayali (MTU)
      ogetay.com/
      mtu.edu/physics/

      Explanation:
      That yellow spot -- what is it? It's a young planet outside our Solar System. The featured image from the Very Large Telescope in Chile surprisingly captures a distant scene much like our own Solar System's birth, some 4.5 billion years ago. Although we can't look into the past and see Earth's formation directly, telescopes let us watch similar processes unfolding around distant stars. At the center of this frame lies a young Sun-like star, hidden behind a coronagraph that blocks its bright glare. Surrounding the star is a bright, dusty protoplanetary disk -- the raw material of planets. Gaps and concentric rings mark where a newborn world is gathering gas and dust under its gravity, clearing the way as it orbits the star. Although astronomers have imaged disk-embedded planets before, this is the first-ever observation of an exoplanet actively carving a gap within a disk -- the earliest direct glimpse of planetary sculpting in action.
      astronomie.nl/nieuws/en/discov
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protopla
      apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231017.ht

      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronagr

      apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250827.ht

      2025 August 27 A dark field has a series of light-colored elliptical rings in the center. Between two of the rings is a yellow-colored spot. WISPIT 2b: Exoplanet Carves Gap in Birth Disk * Image Credit: ESO, VLT, SPHERE * Processing & Copyright: ESO, Richelle van Capelleveen (Leiden Obs.) et al. * Text: Ogetay Kayali (MTU) Explanation: That yellow spot -- what is it? It's a young planet outside our Solar System. The featured image from the Very Large Telescope in Chile surprisingly captures a distant scene much like our own Solar System's birth, some 4.5 billion years ago. Although we can't look into the past and see Earth's formation directly, telescopes let us watch similar processes unfolding around distant stars. At the center of this frame lies a young Sun-like star, hidden behind a coronagraph that blocks its bright glare. Surrounding the star is a bright, dusty protoplanetary disk -- the raw material of planets. Gaps and concentric rings mark where a newborn world is gathering gas and dust under its gravity, clearing the way as it orbits the star. Although astronomers have imaged disk-embedded planets before, this is the first-ever observation of an exoplanet actively carving a gap within a disk -- the earliest direct glimpse of planetary sculpting in action. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.

      Alt...2025 August 27 A dark field has a series of light-colored elliptical rings in the center. Between two of the rings is a yellow-colored spot. WISPIT 2b: Exoplanet Carves Gap in Birth Disk * Image Credit: ESO, VLT, SPHERE * Processing & Copyright: ESO, Richelle van Capelleveen (Leiden Obs.) et al. * Text: Ogetay Kayali (MTU) Explanation: That yellow spot -- what is it? It's a young planet outside our Solar System. The featured image from the Very Large Telescope in Chile surprisingly captures a distant scene much like our own Solar System's birth, some 4.5 billion years ago. Although we can't look into the past and see Earth's formation directly, telescopes let us watch similar processes unfolding around distant stars. At the center of this frame lies a young Sun-like star, hidden behind a coronagraph that blocks its bright glare. Surrounding the star is a bright, dusty protoplanetary disk -- the raw material of planets. Gaps and concentric rings mark where a newborn world is gathering gas and dust under its gravity, clearing the way as it orbits the star. Although astronomers have imaged disk-embedded planets before, this is the first-ever observation of an exoplanet actively carving a gap within a disk -- the earliest direct glimpse of planetary sculpting in action. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.

        [?]grobi » 🌐
        @grobi@defcon.social

        2025 October 10

        50 Light-years to 51 Pegasi
        * Image Credit & Copyright: José Rodrigues
        joserodrigues.space/

        Explanation:
        It's only 50 light-years to 51 Pegasi. That star's position is indicated in this snapshot from August 2025, taken on a night with mostly brighter stars visible above the dome at Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France. Thirty years ago, in October of 1995, astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz announced a profound discovery made at the observatory. Using a precise spectrograph they had detected a planet orbiting 51 Peg, the first known exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. Mayor and Queloz had used the spectrograph to measure changes in the star's radial velocity, a regular wobble caused by the gravitational tug of the orbiting planet. Designated 51 Pegasi b, the planet was determined to have a mass at least half of Jupiter's mass and an orbital period of 4.2 days. That made the exoplanet much closer to its parent star than Mercury is to the Sun. Their discovery was quickly confirmed and Mayor and Queloz were ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 2019. Now recognized as the prototype for the class of exoplanets fondly known as hot Jupiters, 51 Pegasi b was formally named Dimidium, Latin for half, in 2015. Since its discovery 30 years ago, over 6,000 exoplanets have been found.
        ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1995
        planetary.org/articles/color-s

        arxiv.org/abs/1801.06117
        earthsky.org/space/this-date-i

        3D (INTERACTIVE):
        eyes.nasa.gov/apps/exo/#/plane

        apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251010.ht

        2025 October 10 50 Light-years to 51 Pegasi * Image Credit & Copyright: José Rodrigues Explanation: It's only 50 light-years to 51 Pegasi. That star's position is indicated in this snapshot from August 2025, taken on a night with mostly brighter stars visible above the dome at Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France. Thirty years ago, in October of 1995, astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz announced a profound discovery made at the observatory. Using a precise spectrograph they had detected a planet orbiting 51 Peg, the first known exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. Mayor and Queloz had used the spectrograph to measure changes in the star's radial velocity, a regular wobble caused by the gravitational tug of the orbiting planet. Designated 51 Pegasi b, the planet was determined to have a mass at least half of Jupiter's mass and an orbital period of 4.2 days. That made the exoplanet much closer to its parent star than Mercury is to the Sun. Their discovery was quickly confirmed and Mayor and Queloz were ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 2019. Now recognized as the prototype for the class of exoplanets fondly known as hot Jupiters, 51 Pegasi b was formally named Dimidium, Latin for half, in 2015. Since its discovery 30 years ago, over 6,000 exoplanets have been found. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.

        Alt...2025 October 10 50 Light-years to 51 Pegasi * Image Credit & Copyright: José Rodrigues Explanation: It's only 50 light-years to 51 Pegasi. That star's position is indicated in this snapshot from August 2025, taken on a night with mostly brighter stars visible above the dome at Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France. Thirty years ago, in October of 1995, astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz announced a profound discovery made at the observatory. Using a precise spectrograph they had detected a planet orbiting 51 Peg, the first known exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. Mayor and Queloz had used the spectrograph to measure changes in the star's radial velocity, a regular wobble caused by the gravitational tug of the orbiting planet. Designated 51 Pegasi b, the planet was determined to have a mass at least half of Jupiter's mass and an orbital period of 4.2 days. That made the exoplanet much closer to its parent star than Mercury is to the Sun. Their discovery was quickly confirmed and Mayor and Queloz were ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 2019. Now recognized as the prototype for the class of exoplanets fondly known as hot Jupiters, 51 Pegasi b was formally named Dimidium, Latin for half, in 2015. Since its discovery 30 years ago, over 6,000 exoplanets have been found. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.

          [?]grobi » 🌐
          @grobi@defcon.social

          2025 October 9

          The Jenga Moon
          * Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Carroll
          instagram.com/jerseyportraits/

          Explanation:
          That big, bright, beautiful Full Moon you watched rise on the night of October 6 was the Harvest Moon. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the time of the northern hemisphere's autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours, as the growing season drew to a close in the north, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. Later this year than usual, in 2025 October's Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near the time of lunar perigee. And this telephoto snapshot of the (almost) full moon rising above a conspicuous skyscraper in New York city, taken on October 5, is suggestive of yet another full moon moniker.
          science.nasa.gov/moon/supermoo
          en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56_Leona
          en.wikipedia.org/wiki/56_Leona

          2025 October 9 The Jenga Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Carroll Explanation: That big, bright, beautiful Full Moon you watched rise on the night of October 6 was the Harvest Moon. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the time of the northern hemisphere's autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours, as the growing season drew to a close in the north, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. Later this year than usual, in 2025 October's Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near the time of lunar perigee. And this telephoto snapshot of the (almost) full moon rising above a conspicuous skyscraper in New York city, taken on October 5, is suggestive of yet another full moon moniker. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

          Alt...2025 October 9 The Jenga Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Carroll Explanation: That big, bright, beautiful Full Moon you watched rise on the night of October 6 was the Harvest Moon. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the time of the northern hemisphere's autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours, as the growing season drew to a close in the north, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. Later this year than usual, in 2025 October's Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near the time of lunar perigee. And this telephoto snapshot of the (almost) full moon rising above a conspicuous skyscraper in New York city, taken on October 5, is suggestive of yet another full moon moniker. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

            [?]grobi » 🌐
            @grobi@defcon.social

            2024 August 24

            South Pacific Shadowset
            * Image Credit & Copyright: Jin Wang

            Explanation:
            The full Moon and Earth's shadow set together in this island skyscape. The alluring scene was captured Tuesday morning, August 20, from Fiji, South Pacific Ocean, planet Earth. For early morning risers shadowset in the western sky is a daily apparition. Still, the grey-blue shadow is often overlooked in favor of a brighter eastern horizon. Extending through the dense atmosphere, Earth's setting shadow is bounded above by a pinkish glow or anti-twilight arch. Known as the Belt of Venus, the arch's lovely color is due to backscattering of reddened light from the opposite horizon's rising Sun. Of course, the setting Moon's light is reddened by the long sight-line through the atmosphere. But on that date the full Moon could be called a seasonal Blue Moon, the third full Moon in a season with four full Moons. And even though the full Moon is always impressive near the horizon, August's full Moon is considered by some the first of four consecutive full Supermoons in 2024.

            apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240824.ht

            2024 August 24 South Pacific Shadowset * Image Credit & Copyright: Jin Wang Explanation: The full Moon and Earth's shadow set together in this island skyscape. The alluring scene was captured Tuesday morning, August 20, from Fiji, South Pacific Ocean, planet Earth. For early morning risers shadowset in the western sky is a daily apparition. Still, the grey-blue shadow is often overlooked in favor of a brighter eastern horizon. Extending through the dense atmosphere, Earth's setting shadow is bounded above by a pinkish glow or anti-twilight arch. Known as the Belt of Venus, the arch's lovely color is due to backscattering of reddened light from the opposite horizon's rising Sun. Of course, the setting Moon's light is reddened by the long sight-line through the atmosphere. But on that date the full Moon could be called a seasonal Blue Moon, the third full Moon in a season with four full Moons. And even though the full Moon is always impressive near the horizon, August's full Moon is considered by some the first of four consecutive full Supermoons in 2024. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

            Alt...2024 August 24 South Pacific Shadowset * Image Credit & Copyright: Jin Wang Explanation: The full Moon and Earth's shadow set together in this island skyscape. The alluring scene was captured Tuesday morning, August 20, from Fiji, South Pacific Ocean, planet Earth. For early morning risers shadowset in the western sky is a daily apparition. Still, the grey-blue shadow is often overlooked in favor of a brighter eastern horizon. Extending through the dense atmosphere, Earth's setting shadow is bounded above by a pinkish glow or anti-twilight arch. Known as the Belt of Venus, the arch's lovely color is due to backscattering of reddened light from the opposite horizon's rising Sun. Of course, the setting Moon's light is reddened by the long sight-line through the atmosphere. But on that date the full Moon could be called a seasonal Blue Moon, the third full Moon in a season with four full Moons. And even though the full Moon is always impressive near the horizon, August's full Moon is considered by some the first of four consecutive full Supermoons in 2024. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

              [?]grobi » 🌐
              @grobi@defcon.social

              2024 August 20

              Supermoon Beyond the Temple of Poseidon
              * Image Credit: Alexandros Maragos
              instagram.com/p/C-3NZVEOdaV/

              Explanation:
              A supermoon occurred yesterday. And tonight's moon should also look impressive. Supermoons appear slightly larger and brighter than most full moons because they reach their full phase when slightly nearer to the Earth -- closer than 90 percent of all full moons. This supermoon was also a blue moon given the definition that it is the third of four full moons occurring during a single season. Blue moons are not usually blue, and a different definition holds that a blue moon is the second full moon that occurs during a single month. The featured image captured the blue supermoon right near its peak size yesterday as it was rising beyond the Temple of Poseidon in Greece. This supermoon is particularly unusual in that it is the first of four successive supermoons, the next three occurring in September, October, and November.

              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240820.ht

              2024 August 20 A large and orange-tinted moon is pictured rising beyond the pillars of an ancient structure. The foreground is dark and the night sky behind the Moon appear blue. Supermoon Beyond the Temple of Poseidon * Image Credit: Alexandros Maragos Explanation: A supermoon occurred yesterday. And tonight's moon should also look impressive. Supermoons appear slightly larger and brighter than most full moons because they reach their full phase when slightly nearer to the Earth -- closer than 90 percent of all full moons. This supermoon was also a blue moon given the definition that it is the third of four full moons occurring during a single season. Blue moons are not usually blue, and a different definition holds that a blue moon is the second full moon that occurs during a single month. The featured image captured the blue supermoon right near its peak size yesterday as it was rising beyond the Temple of Poseidon in Greece. This supermoon is particularly unusual in that it is the first of four successive supermoons, the next three occurring in September, October, and November. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

              Alt...2024 August 20 A large and orange-tinted moon is pictured rising beyond the pillars of an ancient structure. The foreground is dark and the night sky behind the Moon appear blue. Supermoon Beyond the Temple of Poseidon * Image Credit: Alexandros Maragos Explanation: A supermoon occurred yesterday. And tonight's moon should also look impressive. Supermoons appear slightly larger and brighter than most full moons because they reach their full phase when slightly nearer to the Earth -- closer than 90 percent of all full moons. This supermoon was also a blue moon given the definition that it is the third of four full moons occurring during a single season. Blue moons are not usually blue, and a different definition holds that a blue moon is the second full moon that occurs during a single month. The featured image captured the blue supermoon right near its peak size yesterday as it was rising beyond the Temple of Poseidon in Greece. This supermoon is particularly unusual in that it is the first of four successive supermoons, the next three occurring in September, October, and November. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                [?]grobi » 🌐
                @grobi@defcon.social

                2024 June 20

                Sandy and the Moon Halo
                * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace
                greenflash.photo/about-me/

                Explanation:
                Last Year April's Full Moon shines through high clouds near the horizon, casting shadows in this garden-at-night skyscape. Along with canine sentinel Sandy watching the garden gate, the wide-angle snapshot also captured the bright Moon's 22 degree ice halo.

                apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240620.ht

                2024 June 20 Sandy and the Moon Halo * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace Explanation: Last Year April's Full Moon shines through high clouds near the horizon, casting shadows in this garden-at-night skyscape. Along with canine sentinel Sandy watching the garden gate, the wide-angle snapshot also captured the bright Moon's 22 degree ice halo. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                Alt...2024 June 20 Sandy and the Moon Halo * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace Explanation: Last Year April's Full Moon shines through high clouds near the horizon, casting shadows in this garden-at-night skyscape. Along with canine sentinel Sandy watching the garden gate, the wide-angle snapshot also captured the bright Moon's 22 degree ice halo. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                  [?]grobi » 🌐
                  @grobi@defcon.social

                  2024 January 27

                  Full Observatory Moon
                  * Image Credit & Copyright: Yuri Beletsky (Carnegie Las Campanas Observatory, TWAN)
                  instagram.com/yuribeletsky/
                  carnegiescience.edu/
                  lco.cl/

                  Explanation:
                  A popular name for (2024) January's full moon in the northern hemisphere is the Full Wolf Moon. As the new year's first full moon, it rises over Las Campanas Observatory in this dramatic Earth-and-moonscape. Peering from the foreground like astronomical eyes are the observatory's twin 6.5 meter diameter Magellan telescopes. The snapshot was captured with telephoto lens across rugged terrain in the Chilean Atacama Desert, taken at a distance of about 9 miles from the observatory and about 240,000 miles from the lunar surface. Of course the first full moon of the lunar new year, known to some as the Full Snow Moon, will rise on February 24.

                  apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240127.ht

                  2024 January 27 Full Observatory Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Yuri Beletsky (Carnegie Las Campanas Observatory, TWAN) Explanation: A popular name for (2024) January's full moon in the northern hemisphere is the Full Wolf Moon. As the new year's first full moon, it rises over Las Campanas Observatory in this dramatic Earth-and-moonscape. Peering from the foreground like astronomical eyes are the observatory's twin 6.5 meter diameter Magellan telescopes. The snapshot was captured with telephoto lens across rugged terrain in the Chilean Atacama Desert, taken at a distance of about 9 miles from the observatory and about 240,000 miles from the lunar surface. Of course the first full moon of the lunar new year, known to some as the Full Snow Moon, will rise on February 24. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                  Alt...2024 January 27 Full Observatory Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Yuri Beletsky (Carnegie Las Campanas Observatory, TWAN) Explanation: A popular name for (2024) January's full moon in the northern hemisphere is the Full Wolf Moon. As the new year's first full moon, it rises over Las Campanas Observatory in this dramatic Earth-and-moonscape. Peering from the foreground like astronomical eyes are the observatory's twin 6.5 meter diameter Magellan telescopes. The snapshot was captured with telephoto lens across rugged terrain in the Chilean Atacama Desert, taken at a distance of about 9 miles from the observatory and about 240,000 miles from the lunar surface. Of course the first full moon of the lunar new year, known to some as the Full Snow Moon, will rise on February 24. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                    [?]grobi » 🌐
                    @grobi@defcon.social

                    2024 January 2

                    Rocket Transits Rippling Moon
                    * Image Credit & Copyright: Steven Madow
                    instagram.com/stevenmadow/

                    Explanation:
                    Can a rocket make the Moon ripple? No, but it can make a background moon appear wavy. The rocket, in this case, was a SpaceX Falcon Heavy that blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center last week. In the featured launch picture, the rocket's exhaust plume glows beyond its projection onto the distant, rising, and nearly full moon. Oddly, the Moon's lower edge shows unusual drip-like ripples. The Moon itself, far in the distance, was really unchanged. The physical cause of these apparent ripples was pockets of relatively hot or rarefied air deflecting moonlight less strongly than pockets of relatively cool or compressed air: refraction. Although the shot was planned, the timing of the launch had to be just right for the rocket to be transiting the Moon during this single exposure.

                    apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240102.ht

                    2024 January 2 A rocket is pictured ascending during launch. A nearly full moon is behind it. The rocket exhaust, itself visible, causes the bottom of the Moon to appear unusually rippled. Rocket Transits Rippling Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Steven Madow Explanation: Can a rocket make the Moon ripple? No, but it can make a background moon appear wavy. The rocket, in this case, was a SpaceX Falcon Heavy that blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center last week. In the featured launch picture, the rocket's exhaust plume glows beyond its projection onto the distant, rising, and nearly full moon. Oddly, the Moon's lower edge shows unusual drip-like ripples. The Moon itself, far in the distance, was really unchanged. The physical cause of these apparent ripples was pockets of relatively hot or rarefied air deflecting moonlight less strongly than pockets of relatively cool or compressed air: refraction. Although the shot was planned, the timing of the launch had to be just right for the rocket to be transiting the Moon during this single exposure. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Ryan Smallcomb Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                    Alt...2024 January 2 A rocket is pictured ascending during launch. A nearly full moon is behind it. The rocket exhaust, itself visible, causes the bottom of the Moon to appear unusually rippled. Rocket Transits Rippling Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Steven Madow Explanation: Can a rocket make the Moon ripple? No, but it can make a background moon appear wavy. The rocket, in this case, was a SpaceX Falcon Heavy that blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center last week. In the featured launch picture, the rocket's exhaust plume glows beyond its projection onto the distant, rising, and nearly full moon. Oddly, the Moon's lower edge shows unusual drip-like ripples. The Moon itself, far in the distance, was really unchanged. The physical cause of these apparent ripples was pockets of relatively hot or rarefied air deflecting moonlight less strongly than pockets of relatively cool or compressed air: refraction. Although the shot was planned, the timing of the launch had to be just right for the rocket to be transiting the Moon during this single exposure. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Ryan Smallcomb Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                      [?]grobi » 🌐
                      @grobi@defcon.social

                      2023 December 30

                      The Persistence of Moonlight
                      * Image Credit & Copyright: Giacomo Venturin

                      Explanation:
                      Known to some in the northern hemisphere as December's Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon, the last full moon of 2023 is rising in this surreal mountain and skyscape. The Daliesque scene was captured in a single exposure with a camera and long telephoto lens near Monte Grappa, Italy. The full moon is not melting, though. Its stretched and distorted appearance near the horizon is caused as refraction along the line of sight changes and creates shifting images or mirages of the bright lunar disk. The changes in atmospheric refraction correspond to atmospheric layers with sharply different temperatures and densities. Other effects of atmospheric refraction produced by the long sight-line to this full moon rising include the thin red rim seen faintly on the distorted lower edge of the Moon and a thin green rim along the top.

                      apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231230.ht

                      2023 December 30 The Persistence of Moonlight * Image Credit & Copyright: Giacomo Venturin Explanation: Known to some in the northern hemisphere as December's Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon, the last full moon of 2023 is rising in this surreal mountain and skyscape. The Daliesque scene was captured in a single exposure with a camera and long telephoto lens near Monte Grappa, Italy. The full moon is not melting, though. Its stretched and distorted appearance near the horizon is caused as refraction along the line of sight changes and creates shifting images or mirages of the bright lunar disk. The changes in atmospheric refraction correspond to atmospheric layers with sharply different temperatures and densities. Other effects of atmospheric refraction produced by the long sight-line to this full moon rising include the thin red rim seen faintly on the distorted lower edge of the Moon and a thin green rim along the top. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                      Alt...2023 December 30 The Persistence of Moonlight * Image Credit & Copyright: Giacomo Venturin Explanation: Known to some in the northern hemisphere as December's Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon, the last full moon of 2023 is rising in this surreal mountain and skyscape. The Daliesque scene was captured in a single exposure with a camera and long telephoto lens near Monte Grappa, Italy. The full moon is not melting, though. Its stretched and distorted appearance near the horizon is caused as refraction along the line of sight changes and creates shifting images or mirages of the bright lunar disk. The changes in atmospheric refraction correspond to atmospheric layers with sharply different temperatures and densities. Other effects of atmospheric refraction produced by the long sight-line to this full moon rising include the thin red rim seen faintly on the distorted lower edge of the Moon and a thin green rim along the top. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                        [?]grobi » 🌐
                        @grobi@defcon.social

                        2023 September 30

                        A Harvest Moon over Tuscany
                        * Image Credit & Copyright: Antonio Tartarini

                        Explanation:
                        For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset, it rises behind cypress trees huddled on a hill top in Tuscany, Italy in this telephoto view from September 28. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. This Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near perigee. It was the fourth and final supermoon for 2023.
                        earthsky.org/astronomy-essenti

                        apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230930.ht

                        2023 September 30 A Harvest Moon over Tuscany * Image Credit & Copyright: Antonio Tartarini Explanation: For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset, it rises behind cypress trees huddled on a hill top in Tuscany, Italy in this telephoto view from September 28. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. This Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near perigee. It was the fourth and final supermoon for 2023. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                        Alt...2023 September 30 A Harvest Moon over Tuscany * Image Credit & Copyright: Antonio Tartarini Explanation: For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset, it rises behind cypress trees huddled on a hill top in Tuscany, Italy in this telephoto view from September 28. Famed in festival, story, and song, Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. This Harvest Moon was also known to some as a supermoon, a term becoming a traditional name for a full moon near perigee. It was the fourth and final supermoon for 2023. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                          [?]grobi » 🌐
                          @grobi@defcon.social

                          "So really... on the way back to the peak of normal I say "Good Night" for today with this composition of Mars and the Moon, I dream of a mandolin, like AJ Lee's but everything in its time.. I am happy that several friends of mine were convinced to meet 1 time a week for house music after the summer holidays. Making music together is something great and gives so much strength for everyday life, doesn't it? The Brothers Comatose & AJ Lee (previous post) are an inspiring example!"

                          2022 December 15

                          Full Moon, Full Mars
                          * Image Credit & Copyright: Tomas Slovinsky
                          tomasslovinsky.com/#about

                          Explanation:
                          On (2022) December 8 a full Moon and a full Mars were close, both bright and opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky. In fact Mars was occulted, passing behind the Moon when viewed from some locations across Europe and North America. Seen from the city of Kosice in eastern Slovakia, the lunar occultation of Mars happened just before sunrise. The tantalizing spectacle was recorded in this telescopic timelapse sequence of exposures. It took about an hour for the Red Planet to disappear behind the lunar disk and then reappear as a warm-hued full Moon, the last full Moon of 2022, sank toward the western horizon. The next lunar occultation of bright planet Mars will be in the new year on January 3, when the Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase. Lunar occultations are only ever visible from a fraction of the Earth's surface, though. The January 3 occultation of Mars will be visible from parts of the South Atlantic, southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

                          apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap221215.ht

                          2022 December 15 Full Moon, Full Mars * Image Credit & Copyright: Tomas Slovinsky Explanation: On (2022) December 8 a full Moon and a full Mars were close, both bright and opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky. In fact Mars was occulted, passing behind the Moon when viewed from some locations across Europe and North America. Seen from the city of Kosice in eastern Slovakia, the lunar occultation of Mars happened just before sunrise. The tantalizing spectacle was recorded in this telescopic timelapse sequence of exposures. It took about an hour for the Red Planet to disappear behind the lunar disk and then reappear as a warm-hued full Moon, the last full Moon of 2022, sank toward the western horizon. The next lunar occultation of bright planet Mars will be in the new year on January 3, when the Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase. Lunar occultations are only ever visible from a fraction of the Earth's surface, though. The January 3 occultation of Mars will be visible from parts of the South Atlantic, southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                          Alt...2022 December 15 Full Moon, Full Mars * Image Credit & Copyright: Tomas Slovinsky Explanation: On (2022) December 8 a full Moon and a full Mars were close, both bright and opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky. In fact Mars was occulted, passing behind the Moon when viewed from some locations across Europe and North America. Seen from the city of Kosice in eastern Slovakia, the lunar occultation of Mars happened just before sunrise. The tantalizing spectacle was recorded in this telescopic timelapse sequence of exposures. It took about an hour for the Red Planet to disappear behind the lunar disk and then reappear as a warm-hued full Moon, the last full Moon of 2022, sank toward the western horizon. The next lunar occultation of bright planet Mars will be in the new year on January 3, when the Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase. Lunar occultations are only ever visible from a fraction of the Earth's surface, though. The January 3 occultation of Mars will be visible from parts of the South Atlantic, southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                            [?]grobi » 🌐
                            @grobi@defcon.social

                            Der Mond ist aufgegangen
                            Die goldnen Sternlein prangen
                            Am Himmel hell und klar:
                            Der Wald steht schwarz und schweiget,
                            Und aus den Wiesen steiget
                            Der weiße Nebel wunderbar.

                            The moon is risen, beaming,
                            The golden stars are gleaming
                            So brightly in the skies;
                            The hushed, black woods are dreaming,
                            The mists, like phantoms seeming,
                            From meadows magically rise.

                            * 1st verse of the song "Der Mond ist aufgegangen" by Matthias Claudius translated by Margarete Münsterberg
                            en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Mond.

                            Welcome back to the weekend full moon topic and have a nice and relaxed evening! 🌕 🔭

                            2022 June 16

                            Strawberry Supermoon from China
                            * Image Credit & Copyright: Jeff Dai (TWAN)
                            twanight.org/profile/jeff-dai/

                            Explanation:
                            There were four Full Supermoons in 2022. Using the definition of a supermoon as a Full Moon near perigee, that is within at least 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit, the year's Full Supermoon dates were May 16, June 14, July 13, and August 12. Full Moons near perigee really are the brightest and largest in planet Earth's sky. But size and brightness differences between Full Moons are relatively small and an actual comparison with other Full Moons is difficult to make by eye alone. Two exposures are blended in this supermoon and sky view from June 14. That Full Moon was also known to northern hemisphere skygazers as the Strawberry moon. The consecutive short and long exposures allow familiar features on the fully sunlit lunar nearside to be seen in the same image as a faint lunar corona and an atmospheric cloudscape. They were captured in skies over Chongqing, China.

                            apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220616.ht

                            2022 June 16 Strawberry Supermoon from China * Image Credit & Copyright: Jeff Dai (TWAN) Explanation: There were four Full Supermoons in 2022. Using the definition of a supermoon as a Full Moon near perigee, that is within at least 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit, the year's Full Supermoon dates were May 16, June 14, July 13, and August 12. Full Moons near perigee really are the brightest and largest in planet Earth's sky. But size and brightness differences between Full Moons are relatively small and an actual comparison with other Full Moons is difficult to make by eye alone. Two exposures are blended in this supermoon and sky view from June 14. That Full Moon was also known to northern hemisphere skygazers as the Strawberry moon. The consecutive short and long exposures allow familiar features on the fully sunlit lunar nearside to be seen in the same image as a faint lunar corona and an atmospheric cloudscape. They were captured in skies over Chongqing, China. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.

                            Alt...2022 June 16 Strawberry Supermoon from China * Image Credit & Copyright: Jeff Dai (TWAN) Explanation: There were four Full Supermoons in 2022. Using the definition of a supermoon as a Full Moon near perigee, that is within at least 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit, the year's Full Supermoon dates were May 16, June 14, July 13, and August 12. Full Moons near perigee really are the brightest and largest in planet Earth's sky. But size and brightness differences between Full Moons are relatively small and an actual comparison with other Full Moons is difficult to make by eye alone. Two exposures are blended in this supermoon and sky view from June 14. That Full Moon was also known to northern hemisphere skygazers as the Strawberry moon. The consecutive short and long exposures allow familiar features on the fully sunlit lunar nearside to be seen in the same image as a faint lunar corona and an atmospheric cloudscape. They were captured in skies over Chongqing, China. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.

                              [?]grobi » 🌐
                              @grobi@defcon.social

                              2023 September 5
                              A large Moon is seen behind a historic stone structure.

                              Blue Supermoon Beyond Syracuse
                              * Credit & Copyright: Kevin Saragozza
                              facebook.com/kevinsaragozza/

                              Explanation:
                              This full moon was doubly unusual. First of all, it was a blue moon. A modern definition of a blue moon is a second full moon to occur during one calendar month. Since there were 13 full moons in 2023, one month has to have two -- and that month was August. The first full moon was on August 1 and named a Sturgeon Moon. The second reason that the last full moon was unusual was because it was a supermoon. A modern definition of supermoon is a moon that reaches its full phase when it is relatively close to Earth -- and so appears a bit larger and brighter than average. Pictured, the blue supermoon of 2023 was imaged hovering far behind a historic castle and lighthouse in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy.

                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230905.ht

                              2023 September 5 A large Moon is seen behind a historic stone structure. Blue Supermoon Beyond Syracuse * Credit & Copyright: Kevin Saragozza Explanation: This full moon was doubly unusual. First of all, it was a blue moon. A modern definition of a blue moon is a second full moon to occur during one calendar month. Since there were 13 full moons in 2023, one month has to have two -- and that month was August. The first full moon was on August 1 and named a Sturgeon Moon. The second reason that the last full moon was unusual was because it was a supermoon. A modern definition of supermoon is a moon that reaches its full phase when it is relatively close to Earth -- and so appears a bit larger and brighter than average. Pictured, the blue supermoon of 2023 was imaged hovering far behind a historic castle and lighthouse in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                              Alt...2023 September 5 A large Moon is seen behind a historic stone structure. Blue Supermoon Beyond Syracuse * Credit & Copyright: Kevin Saragozza Explanation: This full moon was doubly unusual. First of all, it was a blue moon. A modern definition of a blue moon is a second full moon to occur during one calendar month. Since there were 13 full moons in 2023, one month has to have two -- and that month was August. The first full moon was on August 1 and named a Sturgeon Moon. The second reason that the last full moon was unusual was because it was a supermoon. A modern definition of supermoon is a moon that reaches its full phase when it is relatively close to Earth -- and so appears a bit larger and brighter than average. Pictured, the blue supermoon of 2023 was imaged hovering far behind a historic castle and lighthouse in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                [?]grobi » 🌐
                                @grobi@defcon.social

                                "Ah Bella Italia! Let's linger a little longer in the beautiful Mediterranean south of this country, whose people are so particularly warm and lovable, and treat ourselves to the sight of this fantastic "Harvest Moon". Inevitably, I remember the famous song by Neil Young and that yesterday I uploaded a folk version of it, which, despite its great charm, received little attention from you. Maybe yesterday it was already too late for that and we have better luck today .."
                                defcon.social/@grobi/114842524

                                2022 September 15

                                Harvest Moon over Sicily
                                * Image Credit & Copyright: Dario Giannobile
                                dariogiannobile.com/

                                Explanation:
                                For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset it rises over the historic town of Castiglione di Sicilia in this telephoto view from September 9. Famed in festival, story, and song Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn.

                                apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220915.ht

                                2022 September 15 Harvest Moon over Sicily * Image Credit & Copyright: Dario Giannobile Explanation: For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset it rises over the historic town of Castiglione di Sicilia in this telephoto view from September 9. Famed in festival, story, and song Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                Alt...2022 September 15 Harvest Moon over Sicily * Image Credit & Copyright: Dario Giannobile Explanation: For northern hemisphere dwellers, September's Full Moon was the Harvest Moon. Reflecting warm hues at sunset it rises over the historic town of Castiglione di Sicilia in this telephoto view from September 9. Famed in festival, story, and song Harvest Moon is just the traditional name of the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. According to lore the name is a fitting one. Despite the diminishing daylight hours as the growing season drew to a close, farmers could harvest crops by the light of a full moon shining on from dusk to dawn. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                  [?]grobi » 🌐
                                  @grobi@defcon.social

                                  2022 August 18

                                  Full Moon Perseids
                                  * Image Credit & Copyright: Juan Carlhttps://twanight.org/profile/juan-carlos-casado/os Casado (Starry Earth, TWAN)
                                  twanight.org/profile/juan-carl

                                  Explanation:
                                  The annual Perseid meteor shower was near its peak on 2022 August 13. As planet Earth crossed through streams of debris left by periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle meteors rained in northern summer night skies. But even that night's nearly Full Moon shining near the top of this composited view couldn't hide all of the popular shower's meteor streaks. The image captures some of the brightest perseid meteors in many short exposures recorded over more than two hours before the dawn. It places the shower's radiant in the heroic constellation of Perseus just behind a well-lit medieval tower in the village of Sant Llorenc de la Muga, Girona, Spain. Observed in medieval times, the Perseid meteor shower is also known in Catholic tradition as the Tears of St. Lawrence, and festivities are celebrated close to the annual peak of the meteor shower. Joining the Full Moon opposite the Sun, bright planet Saturn also shines in the frame at the upper right.

                                  apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220818.ht

                                  2022 August 18 Full Moon Perseids * Image Credit & Copyright: Juan Carlos Casado (Starry Earth, TWAN) Explanation: The annual Perseid meteor shower was near its peak on August 13. As planet Earth crossed through streams of debris left by periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle meteors rained in northern summer night skies. But even that night's nearly Full Moon shining near the top of this composited view couldn't hide all of the popular shower's meteor streaks. The image captures some of the brightest perseid meteors in many short exposures recorded over more than two hours before the dawn. It places the shower's radiant in the heroic constellation of Perseus just behind a well-lit medieval tower in the village of Sant Llorenc de la Muga, Girona, Spain. Observed in medieval times, the Perseid meteor shower is also known in Catholic tradition as the Tears of St. Lawrence, and festivities are celebrated close to the annual peak of the meteor shower. Joining the Full Moon opposite the Sun, bright planet Saturn also shines in the frame at the upper right. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                  Alt...2022 August 18 Full Moon Perseids * Image Credit & Copyright: Juan Carlos Casado (Starry Earth, TWAN) Explanation: The annual Perseid meteor shower was near its peak on August 13. As planet Earth crossed through streams of debris left by periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle meteors rained in northern summer night skies. But even that night's nearly Full Moon shining near the top of this composited view couldn't hide all of the popular shower's meteor streaks. The image captures some of the brightest perseid meteors in many short exposures recorded over more than two hours before the dawn. It places the shower's radiant in the heroic constellation of Perseus just behind a well-lit medieval tower in the village of Sant Llorenc de la Muga, Girona, Spain. Observed in medieval times, the Perseid meteor shower is also known in Catholic tradition as the Tears of St. Lawrence, and festivities are celebrated close to the annual peak of the meteor shower. Joining the Full Moon opposite the Sun, bright planet Saturn also shines in the frame at the upper right. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                    [?]grobi » 🌐
                                    @grobi@defcon.social

                                    Let's get a little inspiration as we walk on this beach at night ..

                                    2024 March 11

                                    A Full Plankton Moon
                                    * Credit & Copyright: Petr Horálek / Institute of Physics in Opava
                                    petrhoralek.com/#about-1
                                    slu.cz/phys/en/

                                    Explanation:
                                    What glows in the night? This night featured a combination of usual and unusual glows. Perhaps the most usual glow was from the Moon, a potentially familiar object. The full Moon's nearly vertical descent results from the observer being near Earth's equator. As the Moon sets, air and aerosols in Earth's atmosphere preferentially scatter out blue light, making the Sun-reflecting satellite appear reddish when near the horizon. Perhaps the most unusual glow was from the bioluminescent plankton, likely less familiar objects. These microscopic creatures glow blue, it is thought, primarily to surprise and deter predators. In this case, the glow was caused primarily by plankton-containing waves crashing onto the beach. The image was taken on Soneva Fushi Island, Maldives just over one year ago.

                                    apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240311.ht

                                    2024 March 11 Several images of a full moon setting are superposed. The moon images are nearly white near the top, but turn orange and then are covered by low clouds near the horizon. Unusually, the setting moon images line up almost vertically. In the foreground is a beach with waves illuminated by blue-glowing plankton. A Full Plankton Moon * Credit & Copyright: Petr Horálek / Institute of Physics in Opava Explanation: What glows in the night? This night featured a combination of usual and unusual glows. Perhaps the most usual glow was from the Moon, a potentially familiar object. The full Moon's nearly vertical descent results from the observer being near Earth's equator. As the Moon sets, air and aerosols in Earth's atmosphere preferentially scatter out blue light, making the Sun-reflecting satellite appear reddish when near the horizon. Perhaps the most unusual glow was from the bioluminescent plankton, likely less familiar objects. These microscopic creatures glow blue, it is thought, primarily to surprise and deter predators. In this case, the glow was caused primarily by plankton-containing waves crashing onto the beach. The image was taken on Soneva Fushi Island, Maldives just over one year ago. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn; Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation

                                    Alt...2024 March 11 Several images of a full moon setting are superposed. The moon images are nearly white near the top, but turn orange and then are covered by low clouds near the horizon. Unusually, the setting moon images line up almost vertically. In the foreground is a beach with waves illuminated by blue-glowing plankton. A Full Plankton Moon * Credit & Copyright: Petr Horálek / Institute of Physics in Opava Explanation: What glows in the night? This night featured a combination of usual and unusual glows. Perhaps the most usual glow was from the Moon, a potentially familiar object. The full Moon's nearly vertical descent results from the observer being near Earth's equator. As the Moon sets, air and aerosols in Earth's atmosphere preferentially scatter out blue light, making the Sun-reflecting satellite appear reddish when near the horizon. Perhaps the most unusual glow was from the bioluminescent plankton, likely less familiar objects. These microscopic creatures glow blue, it is thought, primarily to surprise and deter predators. In this case, the glow was caused primarily by plankton-containing waves crashing onto the beach. The image was taken on Soneva Fushi Island, Maldives just over one year ago. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn; Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation

                                      [?]grobi » 🌐
                                      @grobi@defcon.social

                                      2024 June 29

                                      A Solstice Moon
                                      * Image Credit & Copyright: Tunc Tezel (TWAN)
                                      twanight.org/profile/tunc-teze

                                      Explanation:
                                      Rising opposite the setting Sun, June's Full Moon occurred within about 28 hours of the solstice. The Moon stays close to the Sun's path along the ecliptic plane and so while the solstice Sun climbed high in daytime skies, June's Full Moon remained low that night as seen from northern latitudes. In fact, the Full Moon hugs the horizon in this June 21 rooftop night sky view from Bursa, Turkey, constructed from exposures made every 10 minutes between moonrise and moonset. In 2024 the Moon also reached a major lunar standstill, an extreme in the monthly north-south range of moonrise and moonset caused by the precession of the Moon's orbit over an 18.6 year cycle. As a result, this June solstice Full Moon was at its southernmost moonrise and moonset along the horizon.

                                      apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240629.ht

                                      2024 June 29 A Solstice Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Tunc Tezel (TWAN) Explanation: Rising opposite the setting Sun, June's Full Moon occurred within about 28 hours of the solstice. The Moon stays close to the Sun's path along the ecliptic plane and so while the solstice Sun climbed high in daytime skies, June's Full Moon remained low that night as seen from northern latitudes. In fact, the Full Moon hugs the horizon in this June 21 rooftop night sky view from Bursa, Turkey, constructed from exposures made every 10 minutes between moonrise and moonset. In 2024 the Moon also reached a major lunar standstill, an extreme in the monthly north-south range of moonrise and moonset caused by the precession of the Moon's orbit over an 18.6 year cycle. As a result, this June solstice Full Moon was at its southernmost moonrise and moonset along the horizon. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                      Alt...2024 June 29 A Solstice Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Tunc Tezel (TWAN) Explanation: Rising opposite the setting Sun, June's Full Moon occurred within about 28 hours of the solstice. The Moon stays close to the Sun's path along the ecliptic plane and so while the solstice Sun climbed high in daytime skies, June's Full Moon remained low that night as seen from northern latitudes. In fact, the Full Moon hugs the horizon in this June 21 rooftop night sky view from Bursa, Turkey, constructed from exposures made every 10 minutes between moonrise and moonset. In 2024 the Moon also reached a major lunar standstill, an extreme in the monthly north-south range of moonrise and moonset caused by the precession of the Moon's orbit over an 18.6 year cycle. As a result, this June solstice Full Moon was at its southernmost moonrise and moonset along the horizon. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

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                                        @grobi@defcon.social

                                        2021 December 4

                                        Iridescent by Moonlight
                                        * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace
                                        greenflash.photo/about-me/

                                        Explanation:
                                        In this snapshot from November 18, the Full Moon was not far from Earth's shadow. In skies over Sicily the brightest lunar phase was eclipsed by passing clouds though. The full moonlight was dimmed and momentarily diffracted by small but similar sized water droplets near the edges of the high thin clouds. The resulting iridescence shines with colors like a lunar corona. On that night, the Full Moon was also seen close to the Pleiades star cluster appearing at the lower left of the iridescent cloud bank. The stars of the Seven Sisters were soon to share the sky with a darker, reddened lunar disk.

                                        apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap211204.ht

                                        2021 December 4 Iridescent by Moonlight * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace Explanation: In this snapshot from November 18, the Full Moon was not far from Earth's shadow. In skies over Sicily the brightest lunar phase was eclipsed by passing clouds though. The full moonlight was dimmed and momentarily diffracted by small but similar sized water droplets near the edges of the high thin clouds. The resulting iridescence shines with colors like a lunar corona. On that night, the Full Moon was also seen close to the Pleiades star cluster appearing at the lower left of the iridescent cloud bank. The stars of the Seven Sisters were soon to share the sky with a darker, reddened lunar disk. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.

                                        Alt...2021 December 4 Iridescent by Moonlight * Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia Pace Explanation: In this snapshot from November 18, the Full Moon was not far from Earth's shadow. In skies over Sicily the brightest lunar phase was eclipsed by passing clouds though. The full moonlight was dimmed and momentarily diffracted by small but similar sized water droplets near the edges of the high thin clouds. The resulting iridescence shines with colors like a lunar corona. On that night, the Full Moon was also seen close to the Pleiades star cluster appearing at the lower left of the iridescent cloud bank. The stars of the Seven Sisters were soon to share the sky with a darker, reddened lunar disk. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.

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                                          2015 June 15

                                          A Colorful Lunar Corona
                                          * Image Credit & Copyright: Sergio Montúfar , Planetario Ciudad de La Plata
                                          ferventastronomy.com/Gallery/B
                                          planetario.unlp.edu.ar/

                                          Explanation:
                                          What are those colorful rings around the Moon? A corona. Rings like this will sometimes appear when the Moon is seen through thin clouds. The effect is created by the quantum mechanical diffraction of light around individual, similarly-sized water droplets in an intervening but mostly-transparent cloud. Since light of different colors has different wavelengths, each color diffracts differently. Lunar Coronae are one of the few quantum mechanical color effects that can be easily seen with the unaided eye. The featured lunar corona was captured around a Strawberry Moon on June 2 from La Plata, Argentina. Similar coronae that form around the Sun are typically harder to see because of the Sun's great brightness.

                                          en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corona_(
                                          youtu.be/r_nPQcfxhOM
                                          atoptics.co.uk/blog/corona-for
                                          en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffract
                                          youtube.com/watch?v=fgiOjqTiwn8
                                          physics.stackexchange.com/ques
                                          epod.usra.edu/blog/2014/02/cor

                                          apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150615.ht

                                          2015 June 15 A Colorful Lunar Corona * Image Credit & Copyright: Sergio Montúfar , Planetario Ciudad de La Plata Explanation: What are those colorful rings around the Moon? A corona. Rings like this will sometimes appear when the Moon is seen through thin clouds. The effect is created by the quantum mechanical diffraction of light around individual, similarly-sized water droplets in an intervening but mostly-transparent cloud. Since light of different colors has different wavelengths, each color diffracts differently. Lunar Coronae are one of the few quantum mechanical color effects that can be easily seen with the unaided eye. The featured lunar corona was captured around a Strawberry Moon on June 2 from La Plata, Argentina. Similar coronae that form around the Sun are typically harder to see because of the Sun's great brightness. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC

                                          Alt...2015 June 15 A Colorful Lunar Corona * Image Credit & Copyright: Sergio Montúfar , Planetario Ciudad de La Plata Explanation: What are those colorful rings around the Moon? A corona. Rings like this will sometimes appear when the Moon is seen through thin clouds. The effect is created by the quantum mechanical diffraction of light around individual, similarly-sized water droplets in an intervening but mostly-transparent cloud. Since light of different colors has different wavelengths, each color diffracts differently. Lunar Coronae are one of the few quantum mechanical color effects that can be easily seen with the unaided eye. The featured lunar corona was captured around a Strawberry Moon on June 2 from La Plata, Argentina. Similar coronae that form around the Sun are typically harder to see because of the Sun's great brightness. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC

                                            [?]grobi » 🌐
                                            @grobi@defcon.social

                                            Video of the lunar corona around the blood moon of 2015 April 4.

                                            If you look closely, you can see not only the lunar corona but also that the structure of the higher clouds is influenced by the gravitational wave effect.
                                            .. and last but not least the ISS crossing the sky ..

                                            VIDEO CREDIT
                                            Nature 3D Taeuber

                                            youtube.com/watch?v=fgiOjqTiwn8

                                            Alt...Video of the lunar corona around the blood moon of 2015 April 4. VIDEO CREDIT Nature 3D Taeuber

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                                              2025 August 23

                                              Fishing for the Moon
                                              * Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Bellelli

                                              Explanation:
                                              How big is planet Earth's Moon? Compared to other moons of the Solar System, it's number 5 on the largest to smallest ranked list, following Jupiter's moon Ganymede, Saturn's moon Titan, and Jovian moons Callisto and Io. Continuing the list, the Moon comes before Jupiter's Europa and Neptune's Triton. It's also larger than dwarf planets Pluto and Eris. With a diameter of 3,475 kilometers the Moon is about 1/4 the size of Earth though, and that does make it the largest moon when compared to the size of its parent Solar System planet. Of course in this serene, twilight sea and skyscape, August's rising Full Moon still appears small enough to be caught in the nets of an ancient fishing rig. The telephoto snapshot was taken along the Italian Costa dei Trabocchi, on the Adriatic Sea.
                                              science.nasa.gov/moon/facts/
                                              en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231128.ht
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250503.ht
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap020120.ht
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240329.ht
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231023.ht
                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140826.ht

                                              apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250823.ht

                                              2025 August 23 Fishing for the Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Bellelli Explanation: How big is planet Earth's Moon? Compared to other moons of the Solar System, it's number 5 on the largest to smallest ranked list, following Jupiter's moon Ganymede, Saturn's moon Titan, and Jovian moons Callisto and Io. Continuing the list, the Moon comes before Jupiter's Europa and Neptune's Triton. It's also larger than dwarf planets Pluto and Eris. With a diameter of 3,475 kilometers the Moon is about 1/4 the size of Earth though, and that does make it the largest moon when compared to the size of its parent Solar System planet. Of course in this serene, twilight sea and skyscape, August's rising Full Moon still appears small enough to be caught in the nets of an ancient fishing rig. The telephoto snapshot was taken along the Italian Costa dei Trabocchi, on the Adriatic Sea. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                              Alt...2025 August 23 Fishing for the Moon * Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Bellelli Explanation: How big is planet Earth's Moon? Compared to other moons of the Solar System, it's number 5 on the largest to smallest ranked list, following Jupiter's moon Ganymede, Saturn's moon Titan, and Jovian moons Callisto and Io. Continuing the list, the Moon comes before Jupiter's Europa and Neptune's Triton. It's also larger than dwarf planets Pluto and Eris. With a diameter of 3,475 kilometers the Moon is about 1/4 the size of Earth though, and that does make it the largest moon when compared to the size of its parent Solar System planet. Of course in this serene, twilight sea and skyscape, August's rising Full Moon still appears small enough to be caught in the nets of an ancient fishing rig. The telephoto snapshot was taken along the Italian Costa dei Trabocchi, on the Adriatic Sea. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

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                                                2025 October 8

                                                NGC 7380: The Wizard Nebula
                                                * Images Credit & Copyright: Nevenka Blagovic Horvat & Miroslav Horvat
                                                instagram.com/miroslav.horvat/
                                                flickr.com/people/miroslav1/

                                                Explanation:
                                                What powers are being wielded in the Wizard Nebula? Gravitation strong enough to form stars, and stellar winds and radiations powerful enough to create and dissolve towers of gas. Located only 8,000 light years away, the Wizard nebula, featured here, surrounds developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer. The active star forming region spans about 100 light years, making it appear larger than the angular extent of the Moon. The Wizard Nebula can be located with a small telescope toward the constellation of the King of Aethiopia (Cepheus). Although the nebula may last only a few million years, some of the stars being formed may outlive our Sun.
                                                en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician
                                                en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_7380
                                                ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011
                                                ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011
                                                lco.global/spacebook/sky/using

                                                apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251008.ht

                                                2025 October 8 A starfield is shown surrounding a bright gaseous nebula in red with bits of white and blue. Pillars of dust and gas appear around the interior of the nebula pointing to energetic stars in a cluster in the nebula. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. NGC 7380: The Wizard Nebula * Images Credit & Copyright: Nevenka Blagovic Horvat & Miroslav Horvat Explanation: What powers are being wielded in the Wizard Nebula? Gravitation strong enough to form stars, and stellar winds and radiations powerful enough to create and dissolve towers of gas. Located only 8,000 light years away, the Wizard nebula, featured here, surrounds developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer. The active star forming region spans about 100 light years, making it appear larger than the angular extent of the Moon. The Wizard Nebula can be located with a small telescope toward the constellation of the King of Aethiopia (Cepheus). Although the nebula may last only a few million years, some of the stars being formed may outlive our Sun. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                                Alt...2025 October 8 A starfield is shown surrounding a bright gaseous nebula in red with bits of white and blue. Pillars of dust and gas appear around the interior of the nebula pointing to energetic stars in a cluster in the nebula. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. NGC 7380: The Wizard Nebula * Images Credit & Copyright: Nevenka Blagovic Horvat & Miroslav Horvat Explanation: What powers are being wielded in the Wizard Nebula? Gravitation strong enough to form stars, and stellar winds and radiations powerful enough to create and dissolve towers of gas. Located only 8,000 light years away, the Wizard nebula, featured here, surrounds developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer. The active star forming region spans about 100 light years, making it appear larger than the angular extent of the Moon. The Wizard Nebula can be located with a small telescope toward the constellation of the King of Aethiopia (Cepheus). Although the nebula may last only a few million years, some of the stars being formed may outlive our Sun. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

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                                                  @grobi@defcon.social

                                                  2025 October 6

                                                  The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Lemmon
                                                  * Images Credit & Copyright: Victor Sabet & Julien De Winter
                                                  instagram.com/dwj85

                                                  Explanation:
                                                  How does a comet tail change? It depends on the comet. The ion tail of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) has been changing markedly, as detailed in the featured image sequenced over six days between September 25 and October 3 (left to right) from Texas, USA. On some days, the comet's ion tail was relatively more complex than other days. Reasons for tail changes include the rate of ejection of material from the comet's nucleus, the strength and complexity of the passing solar wind, and the rotation rate of the comet. Sometimes, over the course of a week, apparent differences even result from a change of perspective from the Earth. In general, a comet's ion tail will point away from the Sun, as gas expelled is pushed out by the Sun's wind. Comet Lemmon is still inbound and brightening, passing nearest the Earth on October 21 and nearest the Sun on November 8.
                                                  theskylive.com/c2025a6-info
                                                  www2.ess.ucla.edu/~jewitt/tail
                                                  spaceplace.nasa.gov/comets/en/

                                                  apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251006.ht

                                                  2025 October 6 A comet with a green head at the bottom and a complex tail extending toward the top is shown, horizontally side by side, six times. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Lemmon * Images Credit & Copyright: Victor Sabet & Julien De Winter Explanation: How does a comet tail change? It depends on the comet. The ion tail of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) has been changing markedly, as detailed in the featured image sequenced over six days between September 25 and October 3 (left to right) from Texas, USA. On some days, the comet's ion tail was relatively more complex than other days. Reasons for tail changes include the rate of ejection of material from the comet's nucleus, the strength and complexity of the passing solar wind, and the rotation rate of the comet. Sometimes, over the course of a week, apparent differences even result from a change of perspective from the Earth. In general, a comet's ion tail will point away from the Sun, as gas expelled is pushed out by the Sun's wind. Comet Lemmon is still inbound and brightening, passing nearest the Earth on October 21 and nearest the Sun on November 8. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                                  Alt...2025 October 6 A comet with a green head at the bottom and a complex tail extending toward the top is shown, horizontally side by side, six times. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Lemmon * Images Credit & Copyright: Victor Sabet & Julien De Winter Explanation: How does a comet tail change? It depends on the comet. The ion tail of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) has been changing markedly, as detailed in the featured image sequenced over six days between September 25 and October 3 (left to right) from Texas, USA. On some days, the comet's ion tail was relatively more complex than other days. Reasons for tail changes include the rate of ejection of material from the comet's nucleus, the strength and complexity of the passing solar wind, and the rotation rate of the comet. Sometimes, over the course of a week, apparent differences even result from a change of perspective from the Earth. In general, a comet's ion tail will point away from the Sun, as gas expelled is pushed out by the Sun's wind. Comet Lemmon is still inbound and brightening, passing nearest the Earth on October 21 and nearest the Sun on November 8. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                                    [?]grobi » 🌐
                                                    @grobi@defcon.social

                                                    From Contributors to Wikimedia projects:
                                                    [...]
                                                    Saturn's axial inclination

                                                    Saturn's axial tilt is 26.7°, meaning that widely varying views of the rings, of which the visible ones occupy its equatorial plane, are obtained from Earth at different times. Earth makes passes through the ring plane every 13 to 15 years, about every half Saturn year, and there are about equal chances of either a single or three crossings occurring in each such occasion. The most recent ring plane crossings were on 22 May 1995, 10 August 1995, 11 February 1996, 4 September 2009 and 23 March 2025; upcoming events will occur on 15 October 2038, 1 April 2039 and 9 July 2039. Favorable ring plane crossing viewing opportunities (with Saturn not close to the Sun) only come during triple crossings.

                                                    Saturn's equinoxes, when the Sun passes through the ring plane, are not evenly spaced. The sun passes south to north through the ring plane when Saturn's heliocentric longitude is 173.6 degrees (e.g. 11 August 2009), about the time Saturn crosses from Leo to Virgo. 15.7 years later Saturn's longitude reaches 353.6 degrees and the sun passes to the south side of the ring plane. On each orbit the Sun is north of the ring plane for 15.7 Earth years, then south of the plane for 13.7 years. Dates for north-to-south crossings include 19 November 1995 and 6 May 2025, with south-to-north crossings on 11 August 2009 and 23 January 2039. During the period around an equinox the illumination of most of the rings is greatly reduced, making possible unique observations highlighting features that depart from the ring plane.
                                                    [...]
                                                    More in next post.

                                                    * The ALT-Text for this image is pretty detailed, full discription of this image here:
                                                    commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fil

                                                    Seen from our planet, the view of Saturn's rings during equinox is extremely foreshortened and limited. But in orbit around Saturn, Cassini has no such problems. From 20 degrees above the ring-plane, Cassini's wide angle camera shot 75 exposures in succession for this mosaic showing Saturn, its rings, and a few of its moons a day and a half after exact Saturn equinox, when the Sun's disk was exactly overhead at the planet's equator. The novel illumination geometry that accompanies equinox lowers the Sun's angle to the ring-plane, significantly darkens the rings, and causes out-of-plane structures to look anomalously bright and to cast shadows across the rings. These scenes are possible only during the few months before and after Saturn's equinox which occurs only once in about 15 Earth years. Also at equinox, the shadows of the planet's expansive rings are compressed into a single, narrow band cast onto the planet as seen in this mosaic. The images comprising the mosaic, taken over about eight hours, were extensively processed before being joined together. First, each was re-projected into the same viewing geometry and then digitally processed to make the image "joints" seamless and to remove lens flares, radially extended bright artefacts resulting from light being scattered within the camera optics .. * URL for full image description in main text CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                    Alt...Seen from our planet, the view of Saturn's rings during equinox is extremely foreshortened and limited. But in orbit around Saturn, Cassini has no such problems. From 20 degrees above the ring-plane, Cassini's wide angle camera shot 75 exposures in succession for this mosaic showing Saturn, its rings, and a few of its moons a day and a half after exact Saturn equinox, when the Sun's disk was exactly overhead at the planet's equator. The novel illumination geometry that accompanies equinox lowers the Sun's angle to the ring-plane, significantly darkens the rings, and causes out-of-plane structures to look anomalously bright and to cast shadows across the rings. These scenes are possible only during the few months before and after Saturn's equinox which occurs only once in about 15 Earth years. Also at equinox, the shadows of the planet's expansive rings are compressed into a single, narrow band cast onto the planet as seen in this mosaic. The images comprising the mosaic, taken over about eight hours, were extensively processed before being joined together. First, each was re-projected into the same viewing geometry and then digitally processed to make the image "joints" seamless and to remove lens flares, radially extended bright artefacts resulting from light being scattered within the camera optics .. * URL for full image description in main text CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      [?]grobi » 🌐
                                                      @grobi@defcon.social

                                                      From Contributors to Wikimedia projects:

                                                      [...]
                                                      The rings have numerous gaps where particle density drops sharply: two opened by known moons embedded within them, and many others at locations of known destabilizing orbital resonances with the moons of Saturn. Other gaps remain unexplained. Stabilizing resonances, on the other hand, are responsible for the longevity of several rings, such as the Titan Ringlet and the G Ring. Well beyond the main rings is the Phoebe ring, which is presumed to originate from Phoebe and thus share its retrograde orbital motion. It is aligned with the plane of Saturn's orbit. Saturn has an axial tilt of 27 degrees, so this ring is tilted at an angle of 27 degrees to the more visible rings orbiting above Saturn's equator.
                                                      [...]
                                                      More in next post.

                                                      * The ALT-Texts for the images are pretty detailed, full discription for
                                                      + upper right image:
                                                      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sat

                                                      Natural-color mosaic of Cassini narrow-angle camera images of the unilluminated side of Saturn's D, C, B, A and F rings (left to right) taken on May 9, 2007 (distances are to the planet's center). A scan across Saturn's incredible halo of ice rings yields a study in precision and order. This natural color mosaic was acquired by the Cassini spacecraft as it soared 39 degrees above the unilluminated side of the rings. Major named gaps are labeled at the top. The main rings themselves, along with the F ring, are labeled at the bottom, along with their inner and outer boundaries. This mosaic was constructed from narrow-angle camera images taken immediately after the wide-angle camera mosaic PIA08388. Radial features can be seen in the rings that are about ten times smaller than in the wide-angle view. This scan is rotated 180 degrees compared to PIA08388 in order to present the rings with distance from Saturn increasing left to right. The view combines 45 images -- 15 separate sets of red, green and blue images -- taken over the course of about 2.5 hours, as Cassini scanned across the rings. The images in this view were obtained on May 9, 2007, at a distance of approximately 1.1 million kilometers (700,000 miles) from Saturn. Image scale in the radial (horizontal) direction is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Alt...Natural-color mosaic of Cassini narrow-angle camera images of the unilluminated side of Saturn's D, C, B, A and F rings (left to right) taken on May 9, 2007 (distances are to the planet's center). A scan across Saturn's incredible halo of ice rings yields a study in precision and order. This natural color mosaic was acquired by the Cassini spacecraft as it soared 39 degrees above the unilluminated side of the rings. Major named gaps are labeled at the top. The main rings themselves, along with the F ring, are labeled at the bottom, along with their inner and outer boundaries. This mosaic was constructed from narrow-angle camera images taken immediately after the wide-angle camera mosaic PIA08388. Radial features can be seen in the rings that are about ten times smaller than in the wide-angle view. This scan is rotated 180 degrees compared to PIA08388 in order to present the rings with distance from Saturn increasing left to right. The view combines 45 images -- 15 separate sets of red, green and blue images -- taken over the course of about 2.5 hours, as Cassini scanned across the rings. The images in this view were obtained on May 9, 2007, at a distance of approximately 1.1 million kilometers (700,000 miles) from Saturn. Image scale in the radial (horizontal) direction is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Cassini instruments provide complementary information about the structure of Saturn's rings. Narrow and wide angle cameras provide images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum much like a digital camera does. The images have information about how the ring structure differs both with distance from the planet and with position around the equatorial circle. However, resolution is usually limited to few kilometers at best. Radio and stellar occultations of the rings also provide important information about ring structure, but only along a one-dimensional track through the rings. The radial resolution can be as fine as 50 meters (164 feet). An "image" is then constructed by assuming circular symmetry over the ring region of interest. Color is usually added to encode other information related to the observed structure. This image compares structure of Saturn's rings observed by these two approaches. The upper half is a natural color mosaic of images of the illuminated side of the rings by the Cassini narrow-angle camera (see PIA06175). The bottom simulated image is constructed from a radio occultation observation conducted on May 3, 2005. For another view created using this process, see PIA07872. Color in the lower image is used to represent information about ring particle sizes .. * URL for full image description in main text CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Alt...Cassini instruments provide complementary information about the structure of Saturn's rings. Narrow and wide angle cameras provide images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum much like a digital camera does. The images have information about how the ring structure differs both with distance from the planet and with position around the equatorial circle. However, resolution is usually limited to few kilometers at best. Radio and stellar occultations of the rings also provide important information about ring structure, but only along a one-dimensional track through the rings. The radial resolution can be as fine as 50 meters (164 feet). An "image" is then constructed by assuming circular symmetry over the ring region of interest. Color is usually added to encode other information related to the observed structure. This image compares structure of Saturn's rings observed by these two approaches. The upper half is a natural color mosaic of images of the illuminated side of the rings by the Cassini narrow-angle camera (see PIA06175). The bottom simulated image is constructed from a radio occultation observation conducted on May 3, 2005. For another view created using this process, see PIA07872. Color in the lower image is used to represent information about ring particle sizes .. * URL for full image description in main text CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Not all of Saturn's rings are created equal: here the C and D rings appear side-by-side, but the C ring, which occupies the bottom half of this image, clearly outshines its neighbor. The D ring appears fainter than the C ring because it is comprised of less material. However, even rings as thin as the D ring can pose hazards to spacecraft. Given the high speeds at which Cassini travels, impacts with particles just fractions of a millimeter in size have the potential to damage key spacecraft components and instruments. Nonetheless, near the end of Cassini's mission, navigators plan to thread the spacecraft's orbit through the narrow region between the D ring and the top of Saturn's atmosphere. This view looks toward the unilluminated side of the rings from about 12 degrees below the ringplane. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on Feb. 11, 2015. The view was acquired at a distance of approximately 372,000 miles (599,000 kilometers) from Saturn and at a Sun-Saturn-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 133 degrees. Image scale is 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Alt...Not all of Saturn's rings are created equal: here the C and D rings appear side-by-side, but the C ring, which occupies the bottom half of this image, clearly outshines its neighbor. The D ring appears fainter than the C ring because it is comprised of less material. However, even rings as thin as the D ring can pose hazards to spacecraft. Given the high speeds at which Cassini travels, impacts with particles just fractions of a millimeter in size have the potential to damage key spacecraft components and instruments. Nonetheless, near the end of Cassini's mission, navigators plan to thread the spacecraft's orbit through the narrow region between the D ring and the top of Saturn's atmosphere. This view looks toward the unilluminated side of the rings from about 12 degrees below the ringplane. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on Feb. 11, 2015. The view was acquired at a distance of approximately 372,000 miles (599,000 kilometers) from Saturn and at a Sun-Saturn-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 133 degrees. Image scale is 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      This fantastic close-up of Saturn's outer C ring shows large and sharp changes in brightness across the rings, owing to the extreme variations in ring particle concentrations at different distances from the planet. The dark gap running through the center contains the Maxwell ringlet, as well as a faint, narrow ringlet discovered in Cassini images. Another very dark region to the right of the Maxwell gap is also a narrow gap. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow angle camera on Oct. 29, 2004, at a distance of about 836,000 kilometers (519,000 miles) from Saturn. The image scale is 4.6 kilometers (2.9 miles) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

                                                      Alt...This fantastic close-up of Saturn's outer C ring shows large and sharp changes in brightness across the rings, owing to the extreme variations in ring particle concentrations at different distances from the planet. The dark gap running through the center contains the Maxwell ringlet, as well as a faint, narrow ringlet discovered in Cassini images. Another very dark region to the right of the Maxwell gap is also a narrow gap. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow angle camera on Oct. 29, 2004, at a distance of about 836,000 kilometers (519,000 miles) from Saturn. The image scale is 4.6 kilometers (2.9 miles) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

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                                                        From Contributors to Wikimedia projects:

                                                        Rings of Saturn

                                                        Saturn has the most extensive and complex ring system of any planet in the Solar System. The rings consist of particles in orbit around the planet and are made almost entirely of water ice, with a trace component of rocky material. Particles range from micrometers to meters in size. There is no consensus as to what mechanism facilitated their formation: while investigations using theoretical models suggested they formed early in the Solar System's existence, newer data from Cassini suggests a more recent date of formation. In September 2023, astronomers reported studies suggesting that the rings of Saturn may have resulted from the collision of two moons "a few hundred million years ago,".

                                                        Though light reflected from the rings increases Saturn's apparent brightness, they are not themselves visible from Earth with the naked eye. In 1610, the year after his first observations with a telescope, Galileo Galilei became the first person to observe Saturn's rings, though he could not see them well enough to discern their true nature. In 1655, Christiaan Huygens was the first person to describe them as a disk surrounding Saturn. The concept that Saturn's rings are made up of a series of tiny ringlets can be traced to Pierre-Simon Laplace, although true gaps are few – it is more correct to think of the rings as an annular disk with concentric local maxima and minima in density and brightness.
                                                        [..]
                                                        Read more next post ..

                                                        * The ALT-Texts for the images are pretty detailed, full discription for
                                                        + upper left image:
                                                        commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fil
                                                        + and the upper right image: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fil

                                                        The full set of rings, imaged on 19 July 2013 as Saturn eclipses the Sun from the vantage of the Cassini orbiter, 1.2 million kilometres (3⁄4 million miles) distant. Earth appears as a dot at 4 o'clock, between the G and E rings – with its brightness artificially exaggerated in this photograph. CREDIT NASA JPL-Caltech Space Science Institute On July 19, 2013, in an event celebrated the world over, NASA's Cassini spacecraft slipped into Saturn's shadow and turned to image the planet, seven of its moons, its inner rings -- and, in the background, our home planet, Earth. With the sun's powerful and potentially damaging rays eclipsed by Saturn itself, Cassini's onboard cameras were able to take advantage of this unique viewing geometry. They acquired a panoramic mosaic of the Saturn system that allows scientists to see details in the rings and throughout the system as they are backlit by the sun. With both Cassini's wide-angle and narrow-angle cameras aimed at Saturn, Cassini was able to capture 323 images in just over four hours. This final mosaic uses 141 of those wide-angle images. Images taken using the red, green and blue spectral filters of the wide-angle camera were combined and mosaicked together to create this natural-color view. This image spans about 404,880 miles (651,591 kilometers) across. The outermost ring shown here is Saturn's E ring, the core of which is situated about 149,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from Saturn *See URL to full discription in main text

                                                        Alt...The full set of rings, imaged on 19 July 2013 as Saturn eclipses the Sun from the vantage of the Cassini orbiter, 1.2 million kilometres (3⁄4 million miles) distant. Earth appears as a dot at 4 o'clock, between the G and E rings – with its brightness artificially exaggerated in this photograph. CREDIT NASA JPL-Caltech Space Science Institute On July 19, 2013, in an event celebrated the world over, NASA's Cassini spacecraft slipped into Saturn's shadow and turned to image the planet, seven of its moons, its inner rings -- and, in the background, our home planet, Earth. With the sun's powerful and potentially damaging rays eclipsed by Saturn itself, Cassini's onboard cameras were able to take advantage of this unique viewing geometry. They acquired a panoramic mosaic of the Saturn system that allows scientists to see details in the rings and throughout the system as they are backlit by the sun. With both Cassini's wide-angle and narrow-angle cameras aimed at Saturn, Cassini was able to capture 323 images in just over four hours. This final mosaic uses 141 of those wide-angle images. Images taken using the red, green and blue spectral filters of the wide-angle camera were combined and mosaicked together to create this natural-color view. This image spans about 404,880 miles (651,591 kilometers) across. The outermost ring shown here is Saturn's E ring, the core of which is situated about 149,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from Saturn *See URL to full discription in main text

                                                        In this simulated image of Saturn's rings, color is used to present information about ring particle sizes in different regions based on the measured attenuations of three radio signals. Specially designed Cassini orbits place Earth and Cassini on opposite sides of Saturn's rings, a geometry known as occultation. Cassini conducted the first radio occultation observation of Saturn's rings on May 3, 2005. Three simultaneous radio signals of 0.94, 3.6, and 13 centimeter wavelength (Ka-, X-, and S-bands) were sent from Cassini through the rings to Earth. The observed change of each signal as Cassini moved behind the rings provided a profile of the distribution of ring material as a function of distance from Saturn, or an optical depth profile. This simulated image was constructed from the measured optical depth profiles. It depicts the observed ring structure at a resolution of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). Shades of purple, primarily over most of the middle ring, the B ring, and the inner portion of the outer ring, the A ring, indicate regions where there is a lack of particles less than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) in diameter. Green and blue shades indicate regions where there are particles of sizes smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and 1 centimeter (less than one third of an inch), respectively, primarily in the outer A ring and within most of the inner ring, the C ring ... * See URL to full discription in main text CREDIT NASA / JPL

                                                        Alt...In this simulated image of Saturn's rings, color is used to present information about ring particle sizes in different regions based on the measured attenuations of three radio signals. Specially designed Cassini orbits place Earth and Cassini on opposite sides of Saturn's rings, a geometry known as occultation. Cassini conducted the first radio occultation observation of Saturn's rings on May 3, 2005. Three simultaneous radio signals of 0.94, 3.6, and 13 centimeter wavelength (Ka-, X-, and S-bands) were sent from Cassini through the rings to Earth. The observed change of each signal as Cassini moved behind the rings provided a profile of the distribution of ring material as a function of distance from Saturn, or an optical depth profile. This simulated image was constructed from the measured optical depth profiles. It depicts the observed ring structure at a resolution of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). Shades of purple, primarily over most of the middle ring, the B ring, and the inner portion of the outer ring, the A ring, indicate regions where there is a lack of particles less than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) in diameter. Green and blue shades indicate regions where there are particles of sizes smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and 1 centimeter (less than one third of an inch), respectively, primarily in the outer A ring and within most of the inner ring, the C ring ... * See URL to full discription in main text CREDIT NASA / JPL

                                                        Saturn and its A, B and C rings in visible and (inset) infrared light. In the false-color IR view, greater water ice content and larger grain size lead to blue-green color, while greater non-ice content and smaller grain size yield a reddish hue. PIA23170: Infrared Eye Yields New Spectral Map The false-color image at right shows spectral mapping of Saturn's A, B and C rings, captured by Cassini's Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). It displays an infrared view of the rings, rather than an image in visible light. The blue-green areas are the regions with the purest water ice and/or largest grain size (primarily the A and B rings), while the reddish color indicates increasing amounts of non-icy material and/or smaller grain sizes (primarily in the C ring and Cassini Division). At left, the same image is overlaid on a natural-color mosaic of Saturn taken by Cassini's Imaging Science Subsystem. CREDIT NASA/JPL-Caltech

                                                        Alt...Saturn and its A, B and C rings in visible and (inset) infrared light. In the false-color IR view, greater water ice content and larger grain size lead to blue-green color, while greater non-ice content and smaller grain size yield a reddish hue. PIA23170: Infrared Eye Yields New Spectral Map The false-color image at right shows spectral mapping of Saturn's A, B and C rings, captured by Cassini's Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). It displays an infrared view of the rings, rather than an image in visible light. The blue-green areas are the regions with the purest water ice and/or largest grain size (primarily the A and B rings), while the reddish color indicates increasing amounts of non-icy material and/or smaller grain sizes (primarily in the C ring and Cassini Division). At left, the same image is overlaid on a natural-color mosaic of Saturn taken by Cassini's Imaging Science Subsystem. CREDIT NASA/JPL-Caltech

                                                        The Odd Trio September 22, 2014 The Cassini spacecraft captures a rare family photo of three of Saturn's moons that couldn't be more different from each other! As the largest of the three, Tethys (image center) is round and has a variety of terrains across its surface. Meanwhile, Hyperion (to the upper-left of Tethys) is the "wild one" with a chaotic spin and Prometheus (lower-left) is a tiny moon that busies itself sculpting the F ring. To learn more about the surface of Tethys (660 miles, or 1,062 kilometers across), see PIA17164. More on the chaotic spin of Hyperion (168 miles, or 270 kilometers across) can be found at PIA07683. And discover more about the role of Prometheus (53 miles, or 86 kilometers across) in shaping the F ring in PIA12786. This view looks toward the sunlit side of the rings from about 1 degree above the ringplane. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on July 14, 2014. The view was acquired at a distance of approximately 1.2 million miles (1.9 million kilometers) from Tethys and at a Sun-Tethys-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 22 degrees. Image scale is 7 miles (11 kilometers) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL-Caltech

                                                        Alt...The Odd Trio September 22, 2014 The Cassini spacecraft captures a rare family photo of three of Saturn's moons that couldn't be more different from each other! As the largest of the three, Tethys (image center) is round and has a variety of terrains across its surface. Meanwhile, Hyperion (to the upper-left of Tethys) is the "wild one" with a chaotic spin and Prometheus (lower-left) is a tiny moon that busies itself sculpting the F ring. To learn more about the surface of Tethys (660 miles, or 1,062 kilometers across), see PIA17164. More on the chaotic spin of Hyperion (168 miles, or 270 kilometers across) can be found at PIA07683. And discover more about the role of Prometheus (53 miles, or 86 kilometers across) in shaping the F ring in PIA12786. This view looks toward the sunlit side of the rings from about 1 degree above the ringplane. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on July 14, 2014. The view was acquired at a distance of approximately 1.2 million miles (1.9 million kilometers) from Tethys and at a Sun-Tethys-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 22 degrees. Image scale is 7 miles (11 kilometers) per pixel. CREDIT NASA/JPL-Caltech

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                                                          From Contributors to Wikimedia projects:

                                                          Huygens' Ring Hypothesis
                                                          and later developments

                                                          Christiaan Huygens began grinding lenses with his father Constantijn Huygens in 1655 and was able to observe Saturn with greater detail using a 43× power refracting telescope that he designed himself. He was the first to suggest that Saturn was surrounded by a ring detached from the planet, and famously published the letter string "aaaaaaa­ccccc­deeeeeg­hiiiiiii­llllmm­nnnnnnnnn­oooopp­qrrs­tttttuuuuu". Three years later, he revealed it to mean Annulo cingitur, tenui, plano, nusquam coherente, ad eclipticam inclinato ("Saturn is surrounded by a thin, flat, ring, nowhere touching the body of the planet, inclined to the ecliptic"). He published his ring hypothesis in Systema Saturnium (1659) which also included his discovery of Saturn's moon, Titan, as well as the first clear outline of the dimensions of the Solar System.

                                                          In 1675, Giovanni Domenico Cassini determined that Saturn's ring was composed of multiple smaller rings with gaps between them; the largest of these gaps was later named the Cassini Division. This division is a 4,800-kilometre-wide (3,000 mi) region between the A ring and B Ring.

                                                          In 1787, Pierre-Simon Laplace proved that a uniform solid ring would be unstable and suggested that the rings were composed of a large number of solid ringlets.

                                                          In 1859, James Clerk Maxwell demonstrated that a nonuniform solid ring, solid ringlets or a continuous fluid ring would also not be stable, indicating that the ring must be composed of numerous small particles, all independently orbiting Saturn. Later, Sofia Kovalevskaya also found that Saturn's rings cannot be liquid ring-shaped bodies. Spectroscopic studies of the rings which were carried out independently in 1895 by James Keeler of the Allegheny Observatory and by Aristarkh Belopolsky of the Pulkovo Observatory showed that Maxwell's analysis was correct.

                                                          Huygens' ring hypothesis in Systema Saturnium (1659) Diagram showing how Saturn's appearance to us changes due the changing positions of the Earth (E) and Saturn as they orbit the Sun (G). Bottom: Huygens's observation of Saturn presenting its rings to us at their greatest inclination. CREDIT Christiaan Huygens

                                                          Alt...Huygens' ring hypothesis in Systema Saturnium (1659) Diagram showing how Saturn's appearance to us changes due the changing positions of the Earth (E) and Saturn as they orbit the Sun (G). Bottom: Huygens's observation of Saturn presenting its rings to us at their greatest inclination. CREDIT Christiaan Huygens

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                                                            From Contributors to Wikimedia projects:

                                                            SATURN AS SEEN BY GALILEO. Detail of the letter sent by Galileo to Belisario Vinta, written in Padova on 30.07.1610. The shape of Saturn first seen by the Pisan astronomer, squared in green. Here Galileo writes: "It is that the star of Saturn is not a single one, but an aggregate of three that almost touch each other and that never move or change with each other, they are arranged in a row along the Zodiac, the middle one being three times larger than the other two lateral ones and being situated in this way: oOo,..."

                                                            From "Galileo-Kepler. The Message and the Sidereal Messenger", Alianza Editorial. 1984. In another letter addressed to Giuliano de Medici, Galileo writes: "... I observed that the highest planet was threefold: that is, with great admiration on my part I have observed that Saturn is not a single star, but three together that almost touch. They are completely immobile with each other, arranged in this way oOo, the middle one being much larger than the lateral ones. They are situated one to the east and to the west of the other, exactly in a straight line. They are not just according to the line of the Zodiac, but the western line rises somewhat to the north; perhaps they are parallel to the equator.

                                                            If it were observed with a spectacle that was not of great magnification, three very different stars would not appear, but Saturn would appear to be an elongated star in the shape of an olive, like this [small ellipse]; but by means of a spectacle that multiplies more than a thousand times on the surface, the three globes will be seen very clear and almost touching, not appearing between them a division greater than a subtle dark thread..."

                                                            Image Credit:
                                                            Galileo Galilei - Museo Galileo Galilei, Florence. Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Ms. Gal. 86, f. 42r

                                                            SATURN AS SEEN BY GALILEO. Detail of the letter sent by Galileo to Belisario Vinta, written in Padova on 30.07.1610. The shape of Saturn first seen by the Pisan astronomer, squared in green. Here Galileo writes: "It is that the star of Saturn is not a single one, but an aggregate of three that almost touch each other and that never move or change with each other, they are arranged in a row along the Zodiac, the middle one being three times larger than the other two lateral ones and being situated in this way: oOo,..." From "Galileo-Kepler. The Message and the Sidereal Messenger", Alianza Editorial. 1984. In another letter addressed to Giuliano de Medici, Galileo writes: "... I observed that the highest planet was threefold: that is, with great admiration on my part I have observed that Saturn is not a single star, but three together that almost touch. They are completely immobile with each other, arranged in this way oOo, the middle one being much larger than the lateral ones. They are situated one to the east and to the west of the other, exactly in a straight line. They are not just according to the line of the Zodiac, but the western line rises somewhat to the north; perhaps they are parallel to the equator. Image Credit: Galileo Galilei - Museo Galileo Galilei, Florence. Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Ms. Gal. 86, f. 42r

                                                            Alt...SATURN AS SEEN BY GALILEO. Detail of the letter sent by Galileo to Belisario Vinta, written in Padova on 30.07.1610. The shape of Saturn first seen by the Pisan astronomer, squared in green. Here Galileo writes: "It is that the star of Saturn is not a single one, but an aggregate of three that almost touch each other and that never move or change with each other, they are arranged in a row along the Zodiac, the middle one being three times larger than the other two lateral ones and being situated in this way: oOo,..." From "Galileo-Kepler. The Message and the Sidereal Messenger", Alianza Editorial. 1984. In another letter addressed to Giuliano de Medici, Galileo writes: "... I observed that the highest planet was threefold: that is, with great admiration on my part I have observed that Saturn is not a single star, but three together that almost touch. They are completely immobile with each other, arranged in this way oOo, the middle one being much larger than the lateral ones. They are situated one to the east and to the west of the other, exactly in a straight line. They are not just according to the line of the Zodiac, but the western line rises somewhat to the north; perhaps they are parallel to the equator. Image Credit: Galileo Galilei - Museo Galileo Galilei, Florence. Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Ms. Gal. 86, f. 42r

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                                                              Follow Comet 3I/ATLAS's Journey

                                                              With NASA's Eyes on the Solar System interactive app, you can follow comet 3I/ATLAS as it travels through our solar system and see where it's headed next.

                                                              eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-syste

                                                              Follow Comet 3I/ATLAS's Journey With NASA's Eyes on the Solar System interactive app, you can follow comet 3I/ATLAS as it travels through our solar system and see where it's headed next.

                                                              Alt...Follow Comet 3I/ATLAS's Journey With NASA's Eyes on the Solar System interactive app, you can follow comet 3I/ATLAS as it travels through our solar system and see where it's headed next.

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                                                                3I/ATLAS

                                                                Animation of comet 3I/ATLAS's trajectory through our solar system.

                                                                Discovered on July 1, 2025, Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to be discovered passing through our celestial neighborhood. Astronomers have categorized this object as interstellar because of the hyperbolic shape of its orbital path (it does not follow a closed orbital path about the Sun.)
                                                                Comet 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, approaching no closer than about 1.8 astronomical units (about 170 million miles, or 270 million kilometers). The comet reaches its closest point to the Sun around October 30th, 2025, at a distance of about 1.4 AU (130 million miles, or 210 million kilometers) — just inside the orbit of Mars. The size and physical properties of 3I/ATLAS are being investigated by astronomers around the world, and by various robotic spacecraft. Observations as of August 2025 indicate its nucleus is not larger than 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) in diameter.

                                                                CREDIT
                                                                NASA/JPL

                                                                science.nasa.gov/solar-system/

                                                                Alt...Discovered on July 1, 2025, Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to be discovered passing through our celestial neighborhood. Astronomers have categorized this object as interstellar because of the hyperbolic shape of its orbital path (it does not follow a closed orbital path about the Sun.) Comet 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, approaching no closer than about 1.8 astronomical units (about 170 million miles, or 270 million kilometers). The comet reaches its closest point to the Sun around October 30th, 2025, at a distance of about 1.4 AU (130 million miles, or 210 million kilometers) — just inside the orbit of Mars. The size and physical properties of 3I/ATLAS are being investigated by astronomers around the world, and by various robotic spacecraft. Observations as of August 2025 indicate its nucleus is not larger than 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) in diameter. CREDIT NASA/JPL

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                                                                  TOPIC> Interstellar Visitors

                                                                  2025 July 7
                                                                  A drawing of our Solar System shows the orbits of Jupiter and interior planets. A white line shows the trajectory of passing comet 3I/ATLAS.

                                                                  Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
                                                                  * Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech
                                                                  jpl.nasa.gov/
                                                                  nasa.gov/

                                                                  Explanation:
                                                                  It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified macroscopic object as being so alien. The comet's trajectory is shown in white on the featured map, where the orbits of Jupiter, Mars, and Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Although initial activity indicates a relatively normal comet, future observations about 3I/ATLAS' composition and nature will surely continue.
                                                                  esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary
                                                                  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3I/ATLAS
                                                                  science.nasa.gov/solar-system/

                                                                  apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap191018.ht

                                                                  Our Solar System:
                                                                  science.nasa.gov/solar-system/
                                                                  science.nasa.gov/jupiter/
                                                                  science.nasa.gov/mars/

                                                                  swri.org/newsroom/press-releas

                                                                  apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250707.ht

                                                                  2025 July 7 A drawing of our Solar System shows the orbits of Jupiter and interior planets. A white line shows the trajectory of passing comet 3I/ATLAS. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS * Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech Explanation: It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified macroscopic object as being so alien. The comet's trajectory is shown in white on the featured map, where the orbits of Jupiter, Mars, and Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Although initial activity indicates a relatively normal comet, future observations about 3I/ATLAS' composition and nature will surely continue. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

                                                                  Alt...2025 July 7 A drawing of our Solar System shows the orbits of Jupiter and interior planets. A white line shows the trajectory of passing comet 3I/ATLAS. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS * Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech Explanation: It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified macroscopic object as being so alien. The comet's trajectory is shown in white on the featured map, where the orbits of Jupiter, Mars, and Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Although initial activity indicates a relatively normal comet, future observations about 3I/ATLAS' composition and nature will surely continue. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices; A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.

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                                                                    ESA tracks rare interstellar comet

                                                                    Space Safety
                                                                    03/07/2025

                                                                    Astronomers have confirmed the discovery of a rare celestial visitor: a comet from beyond our Solar System.

                                                                    Officially named 3I/ATLAS, this newly identified interstellar object is only the third of its kind ever observed, following the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.
                                                                    A visitor from beyond the void

                                                                    The comet was first spotted on 1 July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile. Its unusual trajectory immediately raised suspicions that it originated from interstellar space. This was later confirmed by astronomers around the world, and the object was given its formal designation: 3I/ATLAS, indicating its status as the third known interstellar object.

                                                                    3I/ATLAS is approximately 670 million kilometres from the Sun and will make its closest approach in late October 2025, passing just inside the orbit of Mars. It is thought to be up to 20 kilometres wide and is travelling roughly 60 km/s relative to the Sun. It poses no danger to Earth, coming no closer than 240 million kilometres – over 1.5 times the distance between Earth and the Sun.

                                                                    CREDIT:
                                                                    ESA
                                                                    esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary

                                                                    Alt...This animation shows the observations of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. Credit: ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA Discovery The NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations to the Minor Planet Center of comet 3I/ATLAS on July 1, 2025. Since the first report, observations made before the discovery were gathered from the archives of three different ATLAS telescopes around the world and Caltech’s Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. These “pre-discovery” observations extend back to June 14. Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to be discovered. Astronomers have categorized this object as interstellar because of the hyperbolic shape of its orbital path. (It does not follow a closed orbital path about the Sun.) When the orbit of 3I/ATLAS is traced into the past, the comet clearly originates from outside our solar system.

                                                                    Alt...Discovery images of 3I/ATLAS from the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on 1 July 2025 ESA tracks the interstellar interloper ESA's Planetary Defence Office responded promptly to the discovery. Automated detection systems alerted ESA’s astronomers, who are contributing to global efforts to track the comet’s path and to find evidence of its existence in older data – a process known as ‘precovery.’ ESA astronomers are using telescopes in Hawaii, Chile, and Australia to monitor the comet’s progress. Some of these telescopes are owned by ESA, others are provided as part of longstanding partnerships. These efforts are part of ESA’s broader mission to detect, track, and characterise near-Earth objects – though 3I/ATLAS is not considered one, due to its distance from our planet. Scientists will now be interested in learning more about this interstellar visitor’s composition and behaviour. ESA observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS 3I/ATLAS is an active comet. If it heats up sufficiently as it nears our star, it could begin to sublimate – a process in which frozen gases transform directly into vapour, carrying dust and ice particles into space to form a glowing coma and tail. However, by the time the comet reaches its closest point to Earth, it will be hidden behind the Sun. It is expected to reappear by early December, offering astronomers another window for study.

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                                                                      Where did this interstellar object come from?

                                                                      3I/ATLAS formed in another star system and was somehow ejected into interstellar space, which is the space between the stars. For millions or even billions of years, it has drifted until it recently arrived at our solar system. It has been approaching from the general direction of the constellation Sagittarius, which is where the central region of our galaxy, the Milky Way, is located. When discovered, 3I/ATLAS was about 410 million miles (670 million kilometers) away from the Sun, within the orbit of Jupiter.

                                                                      How was it determined that 3I/ATLAS didn’t originate in our solar system?

                                                                      Observations of the comet’s trajectory show that it is moving too fast to be bound by the Sun’s gravity and that it's on what is known as a hyperbolic trajectory. In other words, it does not follow a closed orbital path around the Sun. It is simply passing through our solar system and will continue its journey into interstellar space, never to be seen again.

                                                                      How many interstellar objects have been discovered?

                                                                      This is the third known interstellar object to have been observed. Discovered in 2017, ‘Oumuamua was the first known interstellar object; the second was 2I/Borisov, which was discovered in 2019.

                                                                      How big is 3I/ATLAS, and is it an asteroid or comet?

                                                                      Astronomers don’t yet know how big 3I/ATLAS is, but from observations, they can see that it’s active, which means it has an icy nucleus and coma (a bright cloud of gas and dust surrounding a comet as it approaches the Sun). This is why astronomers categorize it as a comet and not an asteroid.

                                                                      How fast is it moving?

                                                                      Very fast. When it was discovered, the interstellar comet was traveling about 137,000 miles per hour (221,000 kilometers per hour, or 61 kilometers per second), and its speed will increase as it approaches the Sun.

                                                                      CREDIT:
                                                                      ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA

                                                                      science.nasa.gov/solar-system/

                                                                      This image shows the observation of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. CREDIT: ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA

                                                                      Alt...This image shows the observation of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. CREDIT: ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA

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                                                                        What We Know About Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

                                                                        An interstellar traveler has been discovered passing through our solar system. The NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations of comet 3I/ATLAS on July 1, 2025. Since the first report, additional observations from before the discovery were gathered from the archives of three ATLAS telescopes around the world and Caltech’s Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. These “pre-discovery” observations extend back to June 14. The fast-moving comet, which originated outside our solar system around a different star, was discovered as a tiny speck moving across the vastness of space. When discovered it was about 410 million miles (670 million kilometers) away from the Sun, within the orbit of Jupiter.

                                                                        This is the third interstellar object ever discovered, hence its name begins with the number 3 and the letter I. Scientists will have several months to observe and study the comet as it passes through our solar system and before it exits. As of July 3, 2025, the comet is just inside the orbit of Jupiter and in late October 2025 it will make its closest approach to our sun from just inside the orbit of Mars. It poses no threat to Earth but offers a fascinating and rare opportunity for scientists to study these interstellar interlopers.

                                                                        science.nasa.gov/solar-system/

                                                                        CREDIT:
                                                                        NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

                                                                        Alt...An interstellar traveler has been discovered passing through our solar system. The NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations of comet 3I/ATLAS on July 1, 2025. Since the first report, additional observations from before the discovery were gathered from the archives of three ATLAS telescopes around the world and Caltech’s Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. These “pre-discovery” observations extend back to June 14. The fast-moving comet, which originated outside our solar system around a different star, was discovered as a tiny speck moving across the vastness of space. When discovered it was about 410 million miles (670 million kilometers) away from the Sun, within the orbit of Jupiter. This is the third interstellar object ever discovered, hence its name begins with the number 3 and the letter I. Scientists will have several months to observe and study the comet as it passes through our solar system and before it exits. As of July 3, 2025, the comet is just inside the orbit of Jupiter and in late October 2025 it will make its closest approach to our sun from just inside the orbit of Mars. It poses no threat to Earth but offers a fascinating and rare opportunity for scientists to study these interstellar interlopers. CREDIT: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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                                                                          2017 November 22

                                                                          'Oumuamua: Interstellar Asteroid
                                                                          * Illustration Credit: European Southern Observatory, M. Kornmesser
                                                                          eso.org/public/

                                                                          Explanation:
                                                                          Nothing like it has ever been seen before. The unusual space rock 'Oumuamua is so intriguing mainly because it is the first asteroid ever detected from outside our Solar System -- although likely many more are to follow given modern computer-driven sky monitoring. Therefore humanity's telescopes -- of nearly every variety -- have put 'Oumuamua into their observing schedule to help better understand this unusual interstellar visitor. Pictured is an artist's illustration of what 'Oumuamua might look like up close. 'Oumuamua is also intriguing, however, because it has unexpected parallels to Rama, a famous fictional interstellar spaceship created by the late science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. Like Rama, 'Oumuamua is unusually elongated, should be made of strong material to avoid breaking apart, is only passing through our Solar System, and passed unusually close to the Sun for something gravitationally unbound. Unlike a visiting spaceship, though, 'Oumuamua's trajectory, speed, color, and even probability of detection are consistent with it forming naturally around a normal star many millions of years ago, being expelled after gravitationally encountering a normal planet, and subsequently orbiting in our Galaxy alone. Even given 'Oumuamua's likely conventional origin, perhaps humanity can hold hope that one day we will have the technology to engineer 'Oumuamua -- or another Solar System interloper -- into an interstellar Rama of our own.
                                                                          eso.org/public/news/eso1737/
                                                                          jpl.nasa.gov/news/solar-system
                                                                          en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1I/%CA%B
                                                                          arxiv.org/abs/1711.04927
                                                                          arxiv.org/abs/1710.11364

                                                                          apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap171122.ht

                                                                          2017 November 22 'Oumuamua: Interstellar Asteroid * Illustration Credit: European Southern Observatory, M. Kornmesser Explanation: Nothing like it has ever been seen before. The unusual space rock 'Oumuamua is so intriguing mainly because it is the first asteroid ever detected from outside our Solar System -- although likely many more are to follow given modern computer-driven sky monitoring. Therefore humanity's telescopes -- of nearly every variety -- have put 'Oumuamua into their observing schedule to help better understand this unusual interstellar visitor. Pictured is an artist's illustration of what 'Oumuamua might look like up close. 'Oumuamua is also intriguing, however, because it has unexpected parallels to Rama, a famous fictional interstellar spaceship created by the late science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. Like Rama, 'Oumuamua is unusually elongated, should be made of strong material to avoid breaking apart, is only passing through our Solar System, and passed unusually close to the Sun for something gravitationally unbound. Unlike a visiting spaceship, though, 'Oumuamua's trajectory, speed, color, and even probability of detection are consistent with it forming naturally around a normal star many millions of years ago, being expelled after gravitationally encountering a normal planet, and subsequently orbiting in our Galaxy alone. [...] Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.

                                                                          Alt...2017 November 22 'Oumuamua: Interstellar Asteroid * Illustration Credit: European Southern Observatory, M. Kornmesser Explanation: Nothing like it has ever been seen before. The unusual space rock 'Oumuamua is so intriguing mainly because it is the first asteroid ever detected from outside our Solar System -- although likely many more are to follow given modern computer-driven sky monitoring. Therefore humanity's telescopes -- of nearly every variety -- have put 'Oumuamua into their observing schedule to help better understand this unusual interstellar visitor. Pictured is an artist's illustration of what 'Oumuamua might look like up close. 'Oumuamua is also intriguing, however, because it has unexpected parallels to Rama, a famous fictional interstellar spaceship created by the late science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. Like Rama, 'Oumuamua is unusually elongated, should be made of strong material to avoid breaking apart, is only passing through our Solar System, and passed unusually close to the Sun for something gravitationally unbound. Unlike a visiting spaceship, though, 'Oumuamua's trajectory, speed, color, and even probability of detection are consistent with it forming naturally around a normal star many millions of years ago, being expelled after gravitationally encountering a normal planet, and subsequently orbiting in our Galaxy alone. [...] Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.

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                                                                            Nov. 20, 2017

                                                                            Solar Systems First Interstellar Visitor Dazzles Scientists

                                                                            Astronomers scrambled to observe an intriguing asteroid that zipped through the solar system on a steep trajectory from interstellar space-the first confirmed object from another star.

                                                                            Now, new data reveal the interstellar interloper to be a rocky, cigar-shaped object with a somewhat reddish hue. The asteroid, named 'Oumuamua by its discoverers, is up to one-quarter mile (400 meters) long and highly-elongated-perhaps 10 times as long as it is wide. That aspect ratio is greater than that of any asteroid or comet observed in our solar system to date. While its elongated shape is quite surprising, and unlike asteroids seen in our solar system, it may provide new clues into how other solar systems formed.

                                                                            The observations and analyses were funded in part by NASA and appear in the Nov. 20 issue of the journal Nature. They suggest this unusual object had been wandering through the Milky Way, unattached to any star system, for hundreds of millions of years before its chance encounter with our star system.

                                                                            "For decades we've theorized that such interstellar objects are out there, and now - for the first time - we have direct evidence they exist," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "This history-making discovery is opening a new window to study formation of solar systems beyond our own."

                                                                            Immediately after its discovery, telescopes around the world, including ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile, were called into action to measure the object's orbit, brightness and color. Urgency for viewing from ground-based telescopes was vital to get the best data.

                                                                            Combining the images from the FORS instrument on the ESO telescope using four different [...]

                                                                            jpl.nasa.gov/news/solar-system

                                                                            CREDIT
                                                                            Jet Propulsion Laboratory

                                                                            Alt...Scientists were surprised and delighted to detect -for the first time- an interstellar asteroid passing through our solar system. Additional observations brought more surprises: the object is cigar-shaped with a somewhat reddish hue. The asteroid, named ‘Oumuamua by its discoverers, is up to one-quarter mile (400 meters) long and highly-elongated—perhaps 10 times as long as it is wide. That is unlike any asteroid or comet observed in our solar system to date, and may provide new clues into how other solar systems formed. CREDIT Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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                                                                              June 30, 2017

                                                                              NASA Planetary Defense:
                                                                              Backyard Asteroid Observer

                                                                              Backyard astronomer Robert Holmes of Westfield, Illinois, is part of NASA's army of observers scanning the night sky for asteroids.

                                                                              "We do follow-up observations with NASA's near-Earth observations program. All night long, I'm running big telescopes. One's a 24-inch, a 30-inch, and a 32-inch. And then the 50 inch is my… my biggest telescope [...]."

                                                                              "[...] We do follow-up observations for the discoveries that are made by the large sky surveys. By looking at these asteroids, and measuring these asteroids, we can determine what their possibilities of actually hitting the Earth in the future are going to be.

                                                                              NASA provides coordinates of specific objects that they need observations on. I'm gonna punch in the coordinates here, and I'm doing this remotely from inside a control room, not at the telescope. And so, we look these objects up and then use those coordinates to look at a tiny piece of the sky that this object happens to be in. And then we follow those objects, and define and refine orbits for those objects, and reduce the uncertainty of where it's going to go in the near future.

                                                                              I started off as a volunteer in 2006. It's just blossomed into a full-time opportunity to work for NASA under their grant program, where I'm now doing this every single clear night.

                                                                              Now we're starting the observing run for 2017 KK3. You don't build a telescope that's this big without having… being passionate about what you do. I'm really driven to be a part of a program that's important and has importance to the future. And we're not talking about next year or the year after, We're talking about asteroids that could potentially hit the Earth 100 years from now. And the work we do today may make a difference 100 years from now."

                                                                              jpl.nasa.gov/videos/nasa-plane

                                                                              FYI:
                                                                              science.nasa.gov/planetary-def

                                                                              CREDIT
                                                                              Jet Propulsion Laboratory

                                                                              Alt...Backyard astronomer Robert Holmes of Westfield, Illinois, is part of NASA's army of observers scanning the night sky for asteroids. By observing and tracking asteroids, NASA programs can determine whether an asteroid is potentially hazardous to Earth -- now or years in the future. In 2015, Bob made 36,000 asteroid observations -- the most by anyone in a single year. He started off as a volunteer in 2006, and his hobby has since blossomed into a full-time opportunity to work for NASA under a grant program. Find out more about how NASA finds and studies asteroids by visiting

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                                                                                Four Years Of Nasa Neowise Data

                                                                                NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission has released its fourth year of survey data. Since the mission was restarted in December 2013, after a period of hibernation, the asteroid- and comet-hunter has completely scanned the skies nearly eight times and has observed and characterized 29,375 objects in four years of operations. This total includes 788 near-Earth objects and 136 comets since the mission restart.

                                                                                Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of the planets in our solar system into orbits that allow them to enter Earth's neighborhood. Ten of the objects discovered by NEOWISE in the past year have been classified as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). Near-Earth objects are classified as PHAs, based on their size and how closely they can approach Earth's orbit.

                                                                                "NEOWISE continues to expand our catalog and knowledge of these elusive and important objects," said Amy Mainzer, NEOWISE principal investigator from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "In total, NEOWISE has now characterized sizes and reflectivities of over 1,300 near-Earth objects since the spacecraft was launched, offering an invaluable resource for understanding the physical properties of this population, and studying what they are made of and where they have come from."

                                                                                [...]

                                                                                More than 2.5 million infrared images of the sky were collected in the fourth year of operations by NEOWISE. These data are combined with the year one through three NEOWISE data into a single publicly available archive. That archive contains approximately 10.3 million sets of images and a database of more than 76 billion source detections extracted from those images.

                                                                                jpl.nasa.gov/news/four-years-o

                                                                                CREDIT
                                                                                Jet Propulsion Laboratory

                                                                                Alt...NASA's asteroid-hunting NEOWISE survey uses infrared to detect and characterize asteroids and comets. Since the mission was restarted in December 2013, NEOWISE has observed or detected more than 29,000 asteroids in infrared light, of which 788 were near-Earth objects. The orbits of Mercury, Venus and Mars are shown in blue. Earth's orbit is in teal. Green dots represent near-Earth objects. Gray dots represent all other asteroids which are mainly in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Yellow squares represent comets. The survey depicted in the animation covers the period from December 13, 2013 to December 13, 2017. CREDIT Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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                                                                                  From Contributors to Wikimedia projects

                                                                                  1I/ʻOumuamua

                                                                                  is the first confirmed interstellar object detected passing through the Solar System. Formally designated 1I/2017 U1, it was discovered by Robert Weryk using the Pan-STARRS telescope at Haleakalā Observatory, Hawaii, on 19 October 2017, approximately 40 days after it passed its closest point to the Sun on 9 September. When it was first observed, it was about 33 million km (21 million mi; 0.22 AU) from Earth (about 85 times as far away as the Moon) and already heading away from the Sun.

                                                                                  ʻOumuamua is a small object estimated to be between 100 and 1,000 metres (328 and 3,280 ft) long, with its width and thickness both estimated between 35 and 167 metres (115 and 548 ft). It has a red color, like objects in the outer Solar System. Despite its close approach to the Sun, it showed no signs of having a coma, the usual nebula around comets formed when they pass near the Sun. Further, it exhibited non‑gravitational acceleration, potentially due to outgassing or a push from solar radiation pressure.
                                                                                  It has a rotation rate similar to the Solar System's asteroids, but many valid models permit it to be unusually more elongated than all but a few other natural bodies observed in the solar system. This feature raised speculation about its origin. Its light curve, assuming little systematic error, presents its motion as "tumbling" rather than "spinning", and moving sufficiently fast relative to the Sun that it is likely of extrasolar origin. Extrapolated and without further deceleration, its path cannot be captured into a solar orbit, so it will eventually leave the Solar System and continue into interstellar space. Its planetary system of origin and age are unknown. [...]

                                                                                  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1I/%CA%B

                                                                                  Image Credit:
                                                                                  By Tomruen commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.

                                                                                  Path of the hyperbolic, extrasolar object ʻOumuamua, the first confirmed interstellar object, discovered in 2017 By Tomruen - Own work made with , labels added with MSPaint, trajectory data from JPL Horizons, CC BY-SA 4.0

                                                                                  Alt...Path of the hyperbolic, extrasolar object ʻOumuamua, the first confirmed interstellar object, discovered in 2017 By Tomruen - Own work made with , labels added with MSPaint, trajectory data from JPL Horizons, CC BY-SA 4.0

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                                                                                    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                                                                    2I/Borisov

                                                                                    2I/Borisov, originally designated C/2019 Q4 (Borisov), is the first observed rogue comet and the second observed interstellar interloper after ʻOumuamua. It was discovered by the Crimean amateur astronomer and telescope maker Gennadiy Borisov on 29 August 2019 UTC (30 August local time).

                                                                                    2I/Borisov has a heliocentric orbital eccentricity of 3.36 and is not bound to the Sun. The comet passed through the ecliptic of the Solar System at the end of October 2019, and made its closest approach to the Sun at just over 2 AU on 8 December 2019. The comet passed closest to Earth on 28 December 2019.

                                                                                    In November 2019, astronomers from Yale University said that the comet's tail was 14 times the size of Earth, and stated, "It's humbling to realize how small Earth is next to this visitor from another solar system."

                                                                                    The comet is formally called "2I/Borisov" by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), with "2I" or "2I/2019 Q4" being its designation and "Borisov" being its name, but is sometimes referred to as "Comet Borisov", especially in the popular press. As the second observed interstellar interloper after 1I/ʻOumuamua, it was given the "2I" designation, where "I" stands for interstellar. The name Borisov follows the tradition of naming comets after their discoverers. Before final designation as 2I/Borisov, the object was referred to by other names:
                                                                                    gb00234
                                                                                    C/2019 Q4

                                                                                    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2I/Boris

                                                                                    English: About This Image HUBBLE'S VIEW OF INTERSTELLAR COMET 2I/BORISOV https://hubblesite.org/contents/media/images/2019/53/4578-Image NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has given astronomers their best look yet at an interstellar visitor – comet 2I/Borisov – whose speed and trajectory indicate it has come from beyond our solar system. Hubble photographed the comet at a distance of 260 million miles from Earth. This Hubble image, taken on October 12, 2019, is the sharpest view to date of the comet. Hubble reveals a central concentration of dust around the nucleus (which is too small to be seen by Hubble). The comet is falling toward the Sun and will make its closest approach on December 7, 2019, when it will be twice as far from the Sun as Earth. The comet is following a hyperbolic path around the Sun and will exit back into interstellar space. Comet 2I/Borisov is only the second such interstellar object known to have passed through the solar system. In 2017, the first identified interstellar visitor, an object formally named 'Oumuamua, swung within 24 million miles of the Sun before racing out of the solar system. Color Info These images are a composite of separate exposures acquired by the WFC3 instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope. The color results Credit NASA, ESA, and D. Jewitt (UCLA)

                                                                                    Alt... English: About This Image HUBBLE'S VIEW OF INTERSTELLAR COMET 2I/BORISOV https://hubblesite.org/contents/media/images/2019/53/4578-Image NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has given astronomers their best look yet at an interstellar visitor – comet 2I/Borisov – whose speed and trajectory indicate it has come from beyond our solar system. Hubble photographed the comet at a distance of 260 million miles from Earth. This Hubble image, taken on October 12, 2019, is the sharpest view to date of the comet. Hubble reveals a central concentration of dust around the nucleus (which is too small to be seen by Hubble). The comet is falling toward the Sun and will make its closest approach on December 7, 2019, when it will be twice as far from the Sun as Earth. The comet is following a hyperbolic path around the Sun and will exit back into interstellar space. Comet 2I/Borisov is only the second such interstellar object known to have passed through the solar system. In 2017, the first identified interstellar visitor, an object formally named 'Oumuamua, swung within 24 million miles of the Sun before racing out of the solar system. Color Info These images are a composite of separate exposures acquired by the WFC3 instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope. The color results Credit NASA, ESA, and D. Jewitt (UCLA)

                                                                                    2I/Borisov The object was discovered on 30 August 2019 at MARGO, Nauchnyy, Crimea by Gennadiy Borisov using his custom-built 0.65-meter telescope. On 13 September 2019, the Gran Telescopio Canarias obtained a low-resolution visible spectrum of 2I/Borisov that revealed that this object has a surface composition not too different from that found in typical Oort Cloud comets. The IAU Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature kept the name Borisov, giving the comet the interstellar designation of 2I/Borisov. On 12 March 2020, astronomers reported observational evidence of "ongoing nucleus fragmentation" from Borisov. In this observation, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope revisited the comet shortly after its closest approach to the Sun. There it was subjected to a greater degree of heating than it had ever experienced, after spending most of its life in the extreme cold of interstellar space. The comet is 298 million kilometres from Earth in this photo, near the inner edge of the asteroid belt. The nucleus, an agglomeration of ices and dust, is still too small to be resolved. The bright central portion is a coma made up of dust leaving the surface. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth in late December, when it will be at a distance of 290 million kilometres. Comet 2I/Borisov is only the second interstellar object known to have passed through our Solar System.

                                                                                    Alt...2I/Borisov The object was discovered on 30 August 2019 at MARGO, Nauchnyy, Crimea by Gennadiy Borisov using his custom-built 0.65-meter telescope. On 13 September 2019, the Gran Telescopio Canarias obtained a low-resolution visible spectrum of 2I/Borisov that revealed that this object has a surface composition not too different from that found in typical Oort Cloud comets. The IAU Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature kept the name Borisov, giving the comet the interstellar designation of 2I/Borisov. On 12 March 2020, astronomers reported observational evidence of "ongoing nucleus fragmentation" from Borisov. In this observation, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope revisited the comet shortly after its closest approach to the Sun. There it was subjected to a greater degree of heating than it had ever experienced, after spending most of its life in the extreme cold of interstellar space. The comet is 298 million kilometres from Earth in this photo, near the inner edge of the asteroid belt. The nucleus, an agglomeration of ices and dust, is still too small to be resolved. The bright central portion is a coma made up of dust leaving the surface. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth in late December, when it will be at a distance of 290 million kilometres. Comet 2I/Borisov is only the second interstellar object known to have passed through our Solar System.

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                                                                                      As seen from Earth, the comet was in the northern sky from September until mid-November. It crossed the ecliptic plane on 26 October near the star Regulus, and the celestial equator on 13 November 2019, entering the southern sky. On 8 December 2019, the comet reached perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) and was near the inner edge of the asteroid belt. In late December, it made its closest approach to Earth, 1.9 au, and had a solar elongation of about 80°. Due to its 44° orbital inclination, 2I/Borisov did not make any notable close approaches to the planets. 2I/Borisov entered the Solar System from the direction of Cassiopeia near the border with Perseus. This direction indicates that it originates from the galactic plane, rather than from the galactic halo. It will leave the Solar System in the direction of Telescopium. In interstellar , 2I/Borisov takes roughly 9000 years to travel a light-year relative to the Sun

                                                                                      2I/Borisov's trajectory is extremely hyperbolic, having an orbital eccentricity of 3.36. This is much higher than the 300+ known weakly hyperbolic comets, with heliocentric eccentricities just over 1, and even ʻOumuamua with an eccentricity of 1.2.
                                                                                      2I/Borisov also has a hyperbolic excess velocity ( v ∞ {\displaystyle v_{\infty }}) of 32 km/s, much higher than what could be explained by perturbations, which could produce velocities when approaching an infinite distance from the Sun of less than a few km/s. These two parameters are important indicators of 2I/Borisov's interstellar origin. For comparison, the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which is leaving the Solar System, is traveling at 16.9 km/s (3.57 AU/a). 2I/Borisov has a much larger eccentricity than ʻOumuamua due to its higher excess velocity and its significantly higher perihelion distance. At this larger distance, the Sun's gravity is less able to alter its path as it passes through the Solar System.

                                                                                      From Wikipedia

                                                                                      Alt...Trajectory of Borisov (yellow) crossing the ecliptic plane; 'Oumuamua (red) shown for comparison 2I/Borisov's trajectory is extremely hyperbolic, having an orbital eccentricity of 3.36. This is much higher than the 300+ known weakly hyperbolic comets, with heliocentric eccentricities just over 1, and even ʻOumuamua with an eccentricity of 1.2. 2I/Borisov also has a hyperbolic excess velocity ( v ∞ {\displaystyle v_{\infty }}) of 32 km/s, much higher than what could be explained by perturbations, which could produce velocities when approaching an infinite distance from the Sun of less than a few km/s. These two parameters are important indicators of 2I/Borisov's interstellar origin. For comparison, the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which is leaving the Solar System, is traveling at 16.9 km/s (3.57 AU/a). 2I/Borisov has a much larger eccentricity than ʻOumuamua due to its higher excess velocity and its significantly higher perihelion distance. At this larger distance, the Sun's gravity is less able to alter its path as it passes through the Solar System.

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                                                                                        TOPIC> Interstellar Visitors !>NEWS

                                                                                        2025 July 17

                                                                                        3I/ATLAS
                                                                                        * Image Credit: Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii)
                                                                                        * Processing: Jen Miller, Mahdi Zamani (NSF/NOIRLab)
                                                                                        noirlab.edu/public/

                                                                                        Explanation:
                                                                                        Discovered on July 1 with the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert, System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS is so designated as the third known interstellar object to pass through our Solar System It follows 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and the comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Also known as C/2025 N1, 3I/ATLAS is clearly a comet, its diffuse cometary coma, a cloud of gas and dust surrounding an icy nucleus, is easily seen in these images from the large Gemini North telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i. The left panel tracks the comet as it moves across the sky against fixed background stars in successive exposures. Three different filters were used, shown in red, green, and blue. In the right panel the multiple exposures are registered and combined to form a single image of the comet. The comet's interstellar origin is also clear from its orbit, determined to be an eccentric, highly hyperbolic orbit that does not loop back around the Sun and will return 3I/ATLAS to interstellar space. Not a threat to planet Earth, the inbound interstellar interloper is now within the Jupiter's orbital distance of the Sun, while its closest approach to the Sun will bring it just within the orbital distance of Mars.
                                                                                        noirlab.edu/public/news/noirla
                                                                                        minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K25
                                                                                        science.nasa.gov/blogs/planeta
                                                                                        apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250707.ht
                                                                                        en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3I/ATLAS

                                                                                        apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250717.ht

                                                                                        2025 July 17 3I/ATLAS * Image Credit: Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) * Processing: Jen Miller, Mahdi Zamani (NSF/NOIRLab) Explanation: Discovered on July 1 with the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert, System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS is so designated as the third known interstellar object to pass through our Solar System It follows 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and the comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Also known as C/2025 N1, 3I/ATLAS is clearly a comet, its diffuse cometary coma, a cloud of gas and dust surrounding an icy nucleus, is easily seen in these images from the large Gemini North telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i. The left panel tracks the comet as it moves across the sky against fixed background stars in successive exposures. Three different filters were used, shown in red, green, and blue. In the right panel the multiple exposures are registered and combined to form a single image of the comet. The comet's interstellar origin is also clear from its orbit, determined to be an eccentric, highly hyperbolic orbit that does not loop back around the Sun and will return 3I/ATLAS to interstellar space. Not a threat to planet Earth, the inbound interstellar interloper is now within the Jupiter's orbital distance of the Sun, while its closest approach to the Sun will bring it just within the orbital distance of Mars. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn

                                                                                        Alt...2025 July 17 3I/ATLAS * Image Credit: Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) * Processing: Jen Miller, Mahdi Zamani (NSF/NOIRLab) Explanation: Discovered on July 1 with the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert, System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS is so designated as the third known interstellar object to pass through our Solar System It follows 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and the comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Also known as C/2025 N1, 3I/ATLAS is clearly a comet, its diffuse cometary coma, a cloud of gas and dust surrounding an icy nucleus, is easily seen in these images from the large Gemini North telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i. The left panel tracks the comet as it moves across the sky against fixed background stars in successive exposures. Three different filters were used, shown in red, green, and blue. In the right panel the multiple exposures are registered and combined to form a single image of the comet. The comet's interstellar origin is also clear from its orbit, determined to be an eccentric, highly hyperbolic orbit that does not loop back around the Sun and will return 3I/ATLAS to interstellar space. Not a threat to planet Earth, the inbound interstellar interloper is now within the Jupiter's orbital distance of the Sun, while its closest approach to the Sun will bring it just within the orbital distance of Mars. Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Amber Straughn

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                                                                                          @grobi@defcon.social

                                                                                          Planetary Defense at NASA

                                                                                          In 2016, NASA established the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) to manage the agency's ongoing mission of finding, tracking, and better understanding asteroids and comets that could pose an impact hazard to Earth. Here you can stay informed about the PDCO, NASA's Near-Earth Object (NEO) Observations Program, and upcoming planetary defense flight missions, including NASA'S NEO Surveyor mission.

                                                                                          Planetary Defenders

                                                                                          NASA’s Planetary Defenders is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense by journeying alongside NASA’s dedicated team of scientists, astronomers, and engineers who discover, track, and monitor near-Earth asteroids to safeguard Earth from potential impacts. Available now on NASA+ and other streaming platforms.

                                                                                          How would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid headed for Earth? NASA’s "Planetary Defenders" is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense.

                                                                                          science.nasa.gov/blogs/planeta

                                                                                          Alt...Planetary Defenders NASA’s Planetary Defenders is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense by journeying alongside NASA’s dedicated team of scientists, astronomers, and engineers who discover, track, and monitor near-Earth asteroids to safeguard Earth from potential impacts. Available now on NASA+ and other streaming platforms. How would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid headed for Earth? NASA’s "Planetary Defenders" is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense. Journey alongside a dedicated team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts. This documentary captures the intricate and collaborative efforts of these unsung heroes, blending cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal the human spirit behind this critical global endeavor. Witness the drama, the challenges and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense. Directors: Scott Bednar, Jessie Wilde Executive Producers: Emily Furfaro, Josh Handal Producers: Scott Bednar, Caleb Stern, Jessie Wilde Editor: Jessie Wilde Motion Graphics Editor: Matt Schara Credit: NASA

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                                                                                            @grobi@defcon.social

                                                                                            Near-Earth Asteroids as of July 2025
                                                                                            The headshot image of NASA Science Editorial Team

                                                                                            Jul 02, 2025

                                                                                            Each month, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office releases a monthly update featuring the most recent figures on NASA’s planetary defense efforts, near-Earth object close approaches, and other timely facts about comets and asteroids that could pose an impact hazard with Earth. Here is what we've found so far:


                                                                                            38,612: Total number of discovered near-Earth asteroids of all sizes.

                                                                                            872: Discovered asteroids larger than 1 kilometer, with an estimated 50 left to be found.

                                                                                            11,324: Discovered asteroids larger than 140 meters, with an estimated 14,000 remaining to be found.

                                                                                            100 Tons amount of dust and sand-sized particles that bombard Earth daily.

                                                                                            Near-Earth asteroid close approaches:
                                                                                            7 passed closer to Earth than the Moon in the last 30 days. 164 passed closer in the last 365 days. 493,300,000: Observations of near-Earth objects submitted to the Minor Planet Center.
                                                                                            Updated: July 2, 2025

                                                                                            science.nasa.gov/science-resea

                                                                                            CREDIT
                                                                                            NASA Science Editorial Team

                                                                                            The graphic presents data on near-Earth asteroids as of June 30, 2025. Key statistics include: 38,612: Total number of discovered near-Earth asteroids of all sizes. 872: Discovered asteroids larger than 1 kilometer, with an estimated 50 left to be found. 11,324: Discovered asteroids larger than 140 meters, with an estimated 14,000 remaining to be found. NASA-DLR BECCAL Photo Op at the Space Symposium. 100 Tons amount of dust and sand-sized particles that bombard Earth daily. Near-Earth asteroid close approaches: 7 passed closer to Earth than the Moon in the last 30 days. 164 passed closer in the last 365 days. 493,300,000: Observations of near-Earth objects submitted to the Minor Planet Center. The background shows a space-themed image with the NASA logo at the top right. 125% Each month, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office releases a monthly update featuring the most recent figures on NASA’s planetary defense efforts, near-Earth object close approaches, and other timely facts about comets and asteroids that could pose an impact hazard with Earth. Here is what we've found so far. Updated: July 2, 2025

                                                                                            Alt...The graphic presents data on near-Earth asteroids as of June 30, 2025. Key statistics include: 38,612: Total number of discovered near-Earth asteroids of all sizes. 872: Discovered asteroids larger than 1 kilometer, with an estimated 50 left to be found. 11,324: Discovered asteroids larger than 140 meters, with an estimated 14,000 remaining to be found. NASA-DLR BECCAL Photo Op at the Space Symposium. 100 Tons amount of dust and sand-sized particles that bombard Earth daily. Near-Earth asteroid close approaches: 7 passed closer to Earth than the Moon in the last 30 days. 164 passed closer in the last 365 days. 493,300,000: Observations of near-Earth objects submitted to the Minor Planet Center. The background shows a space-themed image with the NASA logo at the top right. 125% Each month, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office releases a monthly update featuring the most recent figures on NASA’s planetary defense efforts, near-Earth object close approaches, and other timely facts about comets and asteroids that could pose an impact hazard with Earth. Here is what we've found so far. Updated: July 2, 2025

                                                                                              [?]grobi » 🌐
                                                                                              @grobi@defcon.social

                                                                                              June 5, 2025

                                                                                              by Molly Wasser

                                                                                              NASA’s Webb Observations Update Asteroid 2024 YR4’s Lunar Impact Odds

                                                                                              While asteroid 2024 YR4 is currently too distant to detect with telescopes from Earth, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope collected one more observation of the asteroid before it escaped from view in its orbit around the Sun.

                                                                                              With the additional data, experts from NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California further refined the asteroid’s orbit. The Webb data improved our knowledge of where the asteroid will be on Dec. 22, 2032, by nearly 20%. As a result, the asteroid’s probability of impacting the Moon has slightly increased from 3.8% to 4.3%. In the small chance that the asteroid were to impact, it would not alter the Moon’s orbit.

                                                                                              When asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, the asteroid had a small chance of impacting Earth. After more observations, NASA concluded the object poses no significant impact risk to Earth in 2032 and beyond.

                                                                                              As data comes in, it is normal for the impact probability to evolve. An international team led by Dr. Andy Rivkin from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, made the observations using Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera in May.

                                                                                              Asteroid 2024 YR4 is now too far away to observe with either space or ground-based telescopes. NASA expects to make further observations when the asteroid’s orbit around the Sun brings it back into the vicinity of Earth in 2028.  

                                                                                              CREDIT
                                                                                              NASA/JPL Center for Near-Earth Object Studies

                                                                                              The range of possible locations – represented by yellow points – of 2024 YR4 on Dec. 22, 2032. The range decreases from April to June as we gained more data and improved our certainty of the asteroid’s position. Earth is close to the center of the white circle, which represents the Moon’s orbital path. CREDIT NASA/JPL Center for Near-Earth Object Studies

                                                                                              Alt...The range of possible locations – represented by yellow points – of 2024 YR4 on Dec. 22, 2032. The range decreases from April to June as we gained more data and improved our certainty of the asteroid’s position. Earth is close to the center of the white circle, which represents the Moon’s orbital path. CREDIT NASA/JPL Center for Near-Earth Object Studies

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                                                                                                @grobi@defcon.social

                                                                                                From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                                                                                3I/ATLAS,
                                                                                                also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and previously as A11pl3Z, is an interstellar comet discovered while inbound by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) station at Río Hurtado, Chile, on 1 July 2025 when it was 4.5 AU (670 million km; 420 million mi) from the Sun and moving at a relative speed of 61 km/s (38 mi/s). It follows an unbound, hyperbolic trajectory around the Sun with an orbital eccentricity of 6.145±0.006. It is the third interstellar object confirmed passing through the Solar System, after 1I/ʻOumuamua (discovered 19 October 2017) and 2I/Borisov (discovered 29 August 2019).

                                                                                                The size of 3I/ATLAS's nucleus is uncertain because it is an active comet surrounded by a shell of reflective dust. Estimates for the nucleus diameter of 3I/ATLAS range from 0.8 to 24 km (0.5 to 14.9 mi), though a diameter toward the lower end of the range is more likely. 3I/ATLAS will come to perihelion on 29 October 2025, at a distance of 1.358 ± 0.001 AU (203.15 ± 0.15 million km; 126.234 ± 0.093 million mi) from the Sun. When far away from the Sun, the comet's hyperbolic excess velocity ({\displaystyle v_{\infty }}) will be 58 km/s (36 mi/s) with respect to the Sun. The comet's velocity suggests it originated in the thick galactic disk which contains many older stars, and therefore the comet may be water-rich and could be more than 7 billion years old.

                                                                                                3I/ATLAS was discovered on 1 July 2025[f] by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope at Río Hurtado, Chile (observatory code W68). At apparent magnitude 18, the newly discovered object was entering the inner Solar System at a speed of 61 km/s (140,000 mph; 220,000 km/h) relative to the Sun, located 3.50 AU (524 million km; 325 million mi) from Earth and 4.51 AU from the Sun, and was moving in the sky along the border of the constellations Serpens Cauda and Sagittarius, near the galactic plane.

                                                                                                Alt...Discovery image from the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System This animation shows the observations of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. CREDIT ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA Discovery Discovery site ATLAS–CHL (W68) Discovery date 1 July 2025 Designations MPC designation C/2025 N1 Alternative designations A11pl3Z Orbital characteristics Epoch 7 July 2025 (JD 2460863.5) Observation arc 55 days (534 obs) Earliest precovery date 22 May 2025 Orbit type Hyperbolic (interstellar) Perihelion 1.357±0.0008 AU Semi-major axis −0.2638±0.0002 AU Eccentricity 6.145±0.006[a] Max. orbital speed 68.3 km/s @ perihelion {\displaystyle v_{\infty }} = 58 km/s Inclination 175.11±0.0004° (retrograde and inclined 5°) Longitude of ascending node 322.16±0.008° Argument of periapsis 128.00±0.007° Next perihelion 29 October 2025 11:33 ± 00:17 UT[6] Earth MOID 0.366 AU Mars MOID 0.018 AU Jupiter MOID 0.246 AU Physical characteristics Mean diameter ~4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) <23.6 km (14.7 mi) Absolute magnitude (H) ≈12 Comet total magnitude (M1) 8.8±0.7

                                                                                                Movement across a field of stars, as seen by Gemini North. The colorful appearance of the comet's trail is due to the telescope changing light filters while observing the comet. Comet 3I/ATLAS streaks across a dense star field in this image captured by the Gemini North telescope's Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N). The left panel captures the comet’s colorful trail as it moves through the Solar System. The image was composed of exposures taken through three filters, shown here as red, green, and blue. This image was made from observations on 3 July 2025 CREDIT International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

                                                                                                Alt...Movement across a field of stars, as seen by Gemini North. The colorful appearance of the comet's trail is due to the telescope changing light filters while observing the comet. Comet 3I/ATLAS streaks across a dense star field in this image captured by the Gemini North telescope's Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N). The left panel captures the comet’s colorful trail as it moves through the Solar System. The image was composed of exposures taken through three filters, shown here as red, green, and blue. This image was made from observations on 3 July 2025 CREDIT International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

                                                                                                Visible and near-infrared color composite photo by the Gemini North telescope Comet 3I/ATLAS is captured in this image by the Gemini North telescope. The incredible sensitivity of Gemini North's Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N) reveals the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of gas and dust surrounding its icy nucleus. This image was made from observations on 3 July 2025 International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

                                                                                                Alt...Visible and near-infrared color composite photo by the Gemini North telescope Comet 3I/ATLAS is captured in this image by the Gemini North telescope. The incredible sensitivity of Gemini North's Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N) reveals the comet’s compact coma — a cloud of gas and dust surrounding its icy nucleus. This image was made from observations on 3 July 2025 International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech (IfA/U. Hawaii) Image Processing: Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

                                                                                                Alt...Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (formerly A11pl3Z) moving across a field of stars, as seen by the 8.2-meter Very Large Telescope (UT1) at Cerro Paranal. Images were taken with the FORS2 camera on the night of 2025 July 4, from 06:50 to 07:01 UTC. The comet is the bright, white moving fuzzy object near the center of the image. Images are immediately public domain and were taken from observing program 115.29F2.001, titled "A11pl3Z, the 3rd interstellar object" Olivier Hainaut et al./European Southern Observatory (processed by Nrco0e) - Raw images downloaded from ESO Science Archive

                                                                                                Alt...Animation of 3I/ATLAS, moving through the inner Solar System Hyperbolic trajectory of 3I/ATLAS (blue) through the Solar System, with orbits of planets shown CREDIT CSS, D. Rankin; Video recorded and edited by User:Renerpho

                                                                                                Alt...At the Deep Random Survey in Chile This is a gif animation of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (formerly A11pl3Z) moving across a field of trailed stars. Each frame is a 600-second exposure where the telescope is actively following the object, so the stars appear trailed while the object appears pointlike. North is up, East is left. These images were taken by the Deep Random Survey's 0.43-meter telescope in Chile. Images from 2025 July 2, 00:42-01:23 UT The sporadic single white pixels across the image are hot (defective) pixels in the camera. CREDIT Nrco0e, aka K Ly at Deep Random Survey

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