May 3, 1996
When you were born, the Sun rose on a world that had never seen you before. Since then, every dawn has arrived in a universe subtly altered...
The Milky Way Near the Southern Cross
Birthday · May 3, 1996
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published May 3, 1996. Credit: Greg Bock, Courtesy Southern Astronomical Society. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
This breathtaking patch of sky would be above you were you to stand at the south pole of the Earth. Just above and to the right of the photograph's center are the four stars that mark the boundaries of the famous Southern Cross. At the top of this constellation, also known as "The Crux," is the orange star Gamma Crucis. The band of stars, dust, and gas crossing the middle of the photograph is part our Milky Way Galaxy. In the very center of the photograph is the dark Coal Sack Nebula, and the bright nebula on the far right is the Eta Carina Nebula. The southern cross is so famous a constellation that it is depicted on the Australian National Flag.
Image credit: Greg Bock, Courtesy Southern Astronomical Society