The sky on
your birthday.
ASCA X-Ray Observatory
The Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics, ASCA, launched three years ago today. This Japanese satellite, with some NASA equipment, carries four X-ray telescopes. Two telescopes use a Gas Imaging Spectrometer, and the other two use a Solid-state Imaging Spectrometer. ASCA has provided important data on X-ray emissions from various cosmic sources.
We cannot put this date's photograph on paper at poster size. We can print the nearest public archive plate to your date instead.
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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 20 February 2013 The Lobster Nebula seen with ESO’s VISTA telescope See it as a poster -
Released on 20 February 2026 The stellar lifecycle in a nearby spiral See it as a poster -
Released on 20 February 2025 Messier 87 See it as a poster -
Released on 20 February 2017 Astronomical cooperation See it as a poster -
Released on 20 February 2017 ALMA’s hole in the Universe See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 20 FEB 1996 falls under Pisces (♓). The sign's window runs from 02-19 through 03-20. Pisces holds the location of the spring equinox in the current astronomical era. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 20 FEB 1996.
Questions about February 20, 1996
What space photo was released on February 20, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 20, 1996 was "ASCA X-Ray Observatory". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on February 20, 1996?
A new moon, about 2% lit.
What day of the week was February 20, 1996?
February 20, 1996 was a Tuesday, day 51 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.