The sky on
your birthday.
Sputnik: The Traveling Companion
Sputnik, meaning "traveling companion," was the Earth's first artificial moon, launched by the Soviets in 1957. This 184-pound sphere with four whip antennas broadcast a continuous "beeping" signal. Its launch led to the creation of NASA and ignited the space race to the Moon.
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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.
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Released on 11 February 2015 M100: A Grand Design Spiral Galaxy See it as a poster -
Released on 11 February 2016 Wide-field view of NGC 4889 (ground-based view) See it as a poster -
Released on 11 February 2026 A Year of Sunspots See it as a poster -
Released on 11 February 2021 Hubble's view of dazzling globular cluster NGC 6397 See it as a poster -
Released on 11 February 2021 Wide-Field View of Globular Cluster NGC 6397 See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 11 FEB 1996 falls under Aquarius (♒). The sign's window runs from 01-20 through 02-18. Aquarius is home to the Helix Nebula, the closest planetary nebula to Earth. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 11 FEB 1996.
Questions about February 11, 1996
What space photo was released on February 11, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 11, 1996 was "Sputnik: The Traveling Companion". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on February 11, 1996?
A last quarter moon, about 54% lit.
What day of the week was February 11, 1996?
February 11, 1996 was a Sunday, day 42 of the 366 days in 1996.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.