The sky on
your birthday.
30 Doradus Across the Spectrum
30 Doradus, also known as the Tarantula Nebula, is a region of intense activity in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It glows across the electromagnetic spectrum due to ongoing star formation, supernova explosions, and ionized plasma. This composite image combines data from three different wavelength bands, showing X-ray, visible, and radio emissions.
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 24 December 2018 Globular Cluster NGC 1466 See it as a poster -
Released on 24 December 2025 The sun’s glint beams off the Atlantic Ocean See it as a poster -
Released on 24 December 2012 A wanderer dancing the dance of stars and space See it as a poster -
Released on 24 December 2005 Earthrise See it as a poster -
Released on 24 December 2008 Earthrise See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 24 DEC 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 24 DEC 1997.
Questions about December 24, 1997
What space photo was released on December 24, 1997?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 24, 1997 was "30 Doradus Across the Spectrum". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on December 24, 1997?
A waning crescent moon, about 26% lit.
What day of the week was December 24, 1997?
December 24, 1997 was a Wednesday, day 358 of the 365 days in 1997.
Was there a meteor shower on December 24, 1997?
Yes: the Ursid shower, peaked 2 days ago.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.