The sky on
your birthday.
Earth Nears Asteroid Toutatis
On November 29, 1996, the asteroid Toutatis passed within 3.3 million miles of Earth. This computer-simulated image shows what the spectacle would have looked like from the asteroid's surface, looking towards Earth. From Earth, Toutatis, also known as asteroid 4179, appeared as a faint object moving against the background stars. Toutatis follows an eccentric four-year orbit, ranging from the asteroid belt to just inside Earth's orbit.
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 January 2010 The Cat's Paw Nebula* See it as a poster -
Released on 20 January 2020 Caught “Pink-Handed” See it as a poster -
Released on 20 January 2026 The precious rings of space See it as a poster -
Released on 20 January 2026 Helix Nebula (NIRCam image) See it as a poster -
Released on 20 January 2010 Around the Cat's Paw Nebula See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 20 JAN 1997 falls under Aquarius (♒). The sign's window runs from 01-20 through 02-18. Aquarius is home to the Helix Nebula, the closest planetary nebula to Earth. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 20 JAN 1997.
Questions about January 20, 1997
What space photo was released on January 20, 1997?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 20, 1997 was "Earth Nears Asteroid Toutatis". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on January 20, 1997?
A waxing gibbous moon, about 88% lit.
What day of the week was January 20, 1997?
January 20, 1997 was a Monday, day 20 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.