The sky on
your birthday.
Mercury in Stereo: Craters Within Craters
This stereo image pair of Mercury's craters was made using data from NASA's Mariner 10, which flew by the planet three times in 1974 and 1975. Mariner 10 did not have a stereo camera; instead, these images were taken from slightly different angles during separate flybys. The technique reveals the deep, complex structure of craters within craters.
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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 12 January 2026 Wide-field view (DSS) of the area of the sky around the star RXJ0528+2838 See it as a poster -
Released on 12 January 2026 Wide-field view (PanSTARRS) of the area of the sky around the star RXJ0528+2838 See it as a poster -
Released on 12 January 2005 Hubble finds infant stars in neighbouring galaxy See it as a poster -
Released on 12 January 2021 A starry night sky and an aurora are pictured above Russia, in between Ukraine and Kazakhstan, as the International See it as a poster -
Released on 12 January 2021 A starry night sky and an aurora are pictured above Russia as the International Space Station orbited 264 miles See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 12 JAN 1997 falls under Capricorn (♑). The sign's window runs from 12-22 through 01-19. Capricorn is the dimmest zodiac constellation, but rich in deep-sky objects south of the celestial equator. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 12 JAN 1997.
Questions about January 12, 1997
What space photo was released on January 12, 1997?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 12, 1997 was "Mercury in Stereo: Craters Within Craters". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on January 12, 1997?
A waxing crescent moon, about 12% lit.
What day of the week was January 12, 1997?
January 12, 1997 was a Sunday, day 12 of the 365 days in 1997.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.