The sky on
your birthday.
STS-1: First Shuttle Launch
On April 12, 1981, the space shuttle orbiter Columbia became the first shuttle to orbit the Earth. In this time exposure, floodlights illuminate the Columbia and service structures as it rests atop Complex 39's Pad A at Kennedy Space Center. Flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen, Columbia spent 2 days aloft on its check-out mission, STS-1. The mission ended in a smooth landing, airplane-style, at Edwards Air Force Base.
Heavy matte paper, about 200 gsm, printed in the United States and shipped free. The card stays free, the print is the thing you keep.
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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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The Earth on your day The Earth on 12 April 2001 · Lake Eyre, Australia See it as a poster -
Released on 12 April 2011 Wide field view of Abell 383 (ground-based image) See it as a poster -
Released on 12 April 2012 Wide-field view of the sky around the bright star Fomalhaut See it as a poster -
Released on 12 April 2016 Combined Solar Eclipse Corona from Earth and Space See it as a poster -
Released on 12 April 2012 Lone Blazar See it as a poster -
Released on 12 April 2026 The aurora australis arcs above Earth’s horizon See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 12 APR 2001 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 12 APR 2001.
Questions about April 12, 2001
What space photo was released on April 12, 2001?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 12, 2001 was "STS-1: First Shuttle Launch". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on April 12, 2001?
A waning gibbous moon, about 83% lit.
What day of the week was April 12, 2001?
April 12, 2001 was a Thursday, day 102 of the 365 days in 2001.
What did the Sun and the Earth look like on April 12, 2001?
NASA's Terra satellite photographed the whole Earth that day. It's on this page, next to the card.
Is it free?
Yes. Seeing, sharing and downloading the card is free, and there's no account to make.