The sky on
your birthday.
NGC 3242: The 'Ghost of Jupiter' Planetary Nebula Credit:
Planetary nebula NGC 3242, sometimes called "The Ghost of Jupiter," is the remnant of a star like our Sun. After completing fusion in its core, such a star sheds its outer layers in a striking display. The stellar remnant, a white dwarf star, is visible at the center. NGC 3242 is much farther away than Jupiter, which is only 40 light-minutes distant.
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 31 March 2010 Around the star-formation region Gum 19 (RCW 34) See it as a poster -
Released on 31 March 2025 A galaxy that gives great feedback See it as a poster -
Released on 31 March 2021 M87's Central Black Hole in Polarized Light See it as a poster -
Released on 31 March 2016 The galactic centre See it as a poster -
Released on 31 March 2005 Hubble spies cosmic dust bunnies See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 31 MAR 1997 falls under Aries (♈). The sign's window runs from 03-21 through 04-19. Aries is the constellation traditionally tied to spring's arrival in the northern hemisphere. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 31 MAR 1997.
Questions about March 31, 1997
What space photo was released on March 31, 1997?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 31, 1997 was "NGC 3242: The 'Ghost of Jupiter' Planetary Nebula Credit:". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on March 31, 1997?
A last quarter moon, about 48% lit.
What day of the week was March 31, 1997?
March 31, 1997 was a Monday, day 90 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.