The sky on
your birthday.
Gamma-Ray Burster
Gamma-ray bursts are the most powerful explosions we know of in the universe, but their sources remain mysterious. This image from Apache Point Observatory shows a faint, fading object near the position of a gamma-ray burst. Observing these afterglows helps astronomers pinpoint and study the elusive sources of these cosmic events.
We cannot put this date's photograph on paper at poster size. We can print the nearest public archive plate to your date instead.
Prints are coming soon. The card is free to save and share in the meantime.
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 18 December 2012 Hubble snaps NGC 5189 See it as a poster -
Released on 18 December 2024 Close look at a local galaxy See it as a poster -
Released on 18 December 2024 NGC 2566 (HST image) See it as a poster -
Released on 18 December 2012 Massive Star Makes Waves See it as a poster -
Released on 18 December 2023 Uranus widefield view (NIRCam) See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 18 DEC 1997 falls under Sagittarius (♐). The sign's window runs from 11-22 through 12-21. Sagittarius points straight at the center of the Milky Way, our galaxy's brightest region. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 18 DEC 1997.
Questions about December 18, 1997
What space photo was released on December 18, 1997?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 18, 1997 was "Gamma-Ray Burster". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on December 18, 1997?
A waning gibbous moon, about 85% lit.
What day of the week was December 18, 1997?
December 18, 1997 was a Thursday, day 352 of the 365 days in 1997.
Was there a meteor shower on December 18, 1997?
Yes: the Geminid shower, peaked 4 days ago.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.