The sky on
your birthday.
Luna 9: First Soft Lander
The Soviet Luna 9 spacecraft made the first soft landing on another planetary body, touching down on the Moon's Oceanus Procellarum in February 1966. This milestone in lunar exploration came shortly after the death of Sergei Korolev, the father of the Soviet Space Program. His colleagues wished to dedicate the mission to him, but his role was still a state secret.
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 25 August 1995 First infrared ESO image of comet Hale-Bopp See it as a poster -
Released on 25 August 2014 Light and dark See it as a poster -
Released on 25 August 2025 Taking a third look See it as a poster -
Released on 25 August 2014 Arp 188 and the Tadpole's Tail See it as a poster -
Released on 25 August 2010 WISE Captures the Unicorn Rose See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 25 AUG 1996 falls under Virgo (♍). The sign's window runs from 08-23 through 09-22. Virgo is the largest zodiac constellation, holding the heart of the Virgo galaxy cluster. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 25 AUG 1996.
Questions about August 25, 1996
What space photo was released on August 25, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 25, 1996 was "Luna 9: First Soft Lander". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on August 25, 1996?
A waxing gibbous moon, about 85% lit.
What day of the week was August 25, 1996?
August 25, 1996 was a Sunday, day 238 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.