July 5, 2008
The universe has spent billions of years making things that shine. On your birthday, we celebrate one of its quieter masterpieces.
Comet Between Fireworks and Lightning
Birthday · July 5, 2008
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published July 5, 2008. Credit: Antti Kemppainen. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Sometimes the sky itself is the best show in town. In January 2007, people from Perth, Australia gathered on a local beach to watch a sky light up with delights near and far. Nearby, fireworks exploded as part of Australia Day celebrations. On the far right, lightning from a thunderstorm flashed in the distance. Near the image center, though, seen through clouds, was the most unusual sight of all: Comet McNaught. The photogenic comet was so bright that it even remained visible though the din of Earthly flashes. Comet McNaught has now returned to the outer Solar System and is now only visible with a large telescope. The above image is actually a three photograph panorama digitally processed to reduce red reflections from the exploding firework.
Image credit: Antti Kemppainen