The sky on
your birthday.
Helios Helium
This image captures the Sun on May 18, showing light emitted by ionized Helium atoms in the solar chromosphere. Helium was first identified in the Sun in 1868 by astronomer Joseph Lockyer, using spectroscopy. Its name comes from the Greek word 'Helios,' meaning 'Sun,' a fitting tribute to its discovery.
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 May 2009 The Virgo Cluster See it as a poster -
Released on 20 May 2015 Wide-field view of the sky around the Medusa Nebula See it as a poster -
Released on 20 May 2024 A jewel in the queen’s hair See it as a poster -
Released on 20 May 2020 Wide-field view of the region of the sky where AB Aurigae is located See it as a poster -
Released on 20 May 2015 ESO’s Very Large Telescope images the Medusa Nebula See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 20 MAY 1996 falls under Taurus (♉). The sign's window runs from 04-20 through 05-20. Taurus holds the Pleiades star cluster and Aldebaran, the red giant that marks the eye of the Bull. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 20 MAY 1996.
Questions about May 20, 1996
What space photo was released on May 20, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 20, 1996 was "Helios Helium". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on May 20, 1996?
A waxing crescent moon, about 8% lit.
What day of the week was May 20, 1996?
May 20, 1996 was a Monday, day 141 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.