The sky on
your birthday.
Comet Hale-Bopp Fades
Comet Hale-Bopp, once hoped to be the Great Comet of 1997, is approaching the Sun, but our distance from it makes it appear to dim. Experts disagreed on its peak brightness, with some optimists hoping it would outshine Comet Hyakutake. The comet's apparent fading is a result of Earth moving away from it. This image captures it during this period of uncertainty.
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 17 September 2012 Wide-field view of NGC 4634 and NGC 4633 (ground-based image) See it as a poster -
Released on 17 September 2018 An explosive phoenix See it as a poster -
Released on 17 September 2025 Asian city lights and green fishing boat lights See it as a poster -
Released on 17 September 2018 Knots and bursts See it as a poster -
Released on 17 September 2014 Hurricane Edouard See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 17 SEP 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 17 SEP 1996.
Questions about September 17, 1996
What space photo was released on September 17, 1996?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 17, 1996 was "Comet Hale-Bopp Fades". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on September 17, 1996?
A waxing crescent moon, about 21% lit.
What day of the week was September 17, 1996?
September 17, 1996 was a Tuesday, day 261 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.