September 21, 2026
The universe is brighter with you in it. Happy birthday.
Birthday · September 21, 2026
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Selected image source ↗ APOD published September 21, 2026. Credit: Piotr Czerski. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Read the original APOD for the astronomer’s explanation and full image credits. Its text is preserved in the archive as published.
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When does a nebula look like a comet? In this crowded starfield covering over two degrees within the high-flying constellation of the Swan (Cygnus), the eye is drawn to the Cocoon Nebula. A compact star forming region, the cosmic Cocoon punctuates a nebula bright in emission and reflection on the lower right, with a long trail of interstellar dust clouds to the left, making the entire complex appear a bit like a comet. Cataloged as IC 5146, the central bright head of the nebula spans about 10 light years, while the dark dusty tail spans nearly 100 light years. Both are located about 2,500 light years away. A bright star near the colorful nebula's center likely supplies power and helps clear out a cavity. The long dusty filaments of the tail, although dark in this visible light image, hide stars in the process of formation. The featured image was captured in July from Death Valley, California, USA. APOD's main NASA site is moving: From apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod
Image credit: Piotr Czerski
Explore September 21 in other years · 32 APOD entries, 1995–2026
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