The sky on
your birthday.
The X-ray Timing Explorer
The X-ray Timing Explorer, or XTE, launched on a Delta rocket, will observe the sky for rapid changes in X-rays. XTE carries three separate X-ray telescopes. Its instruments will provide the best timing information in the widest X-ray energy range yet available. It will study stellar systems containing black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs, as well as the X-ray properties of active galactic centers.
We cannot put this date's photograph on paper at poster size. We can print the nearest public archive plate to your date instead.
See print sizesPrinted, shipped and sold by Zazzle
Released on your day
Space pictures released on your month and day in other years, or a few days either side. Each one is sharp enough to print as a poster.
-
Released on 3 January 2006 Spirit Rover on Husband Hill See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2011 Stellar powerhouses in the Eagle Nebula See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2015 - It's a full moon as viewed from the International Space Station (ISS) on 3 January 2015 See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2014 Outcrop on Murray Ridge Section of Martian Crater Rim See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2024 The sun's glint beams off the Atlantic Ocean revealing the island country of the Republic of Cabo Verde (left) off See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 3 JAN 1996 falls under Capricorn (♑). The sign's window runs from 12-22 through 01-19. Capricorn is the dimmest zodiac constellation, but rich in deep-sky objects south of the celestial equator. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 3 JAN 1996.
Questions about January 3, 1996
What space photo was released on January 3, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 3, 1996 was "The X-ray Timing Explorer". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on January 3, 1996?
A waxing gibbous moon, about 93% lit.
What day of the week was January 3, 1996?
January 3, 1996 was a Wednesday, day 3 of the 366 days in 1996.
Was there a meteor shower on January 3, 1996?
Yes: the Quadrantid shower, peaks tomorrow.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.