February 9, 2025
In the time it took you to read this, the Earth moved another thousand miles through space. You are not standing still. You never have been.
Milky Way over the Australian Pinnacles
Birthday · February 9, 2025
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published February 9, 2025. Credit: Michael Goh. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
What strange world is this? Earth. In the foreground of the featured image are the Pinnacles, unusual rock spires in Nambung National Park in Western Australia. Made of ancient sea shells (limestone), how these human-sized picturesque spires formed remains unknown. In the background, just past the end of the central Pinnacle, is a bright crescent Moon. The eerie glow around the Moon is mostly zodiacal light, sunlight reflected by dust grains orbiting between the planets in the Solar System. Arching across the top is the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy. Many famous stars and nebulas are also visible in the background night sky. The featured 29-panel panorama was taken and composed in 2015 September after detailed planning that involved the Moon, the rock spires, and their corresponding shadows. Even so, the strong zodiacal light was a pleasant surprise. Your Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
Image credit: Michael Goh