PULL · 15 APR 2001

This was
your sky.

Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses

NASA APOD

COSMIC MESSAGE

The cross-like patterns around bright stars in this image are called diffraction spikes. They are an artifact of how reflecting telescopes are built. Support rods inside the telescope, which hold the secondary mirror, cause starlight to diffract. This effect scatters light away from its original path, creating these characteristic spikes.

CREDIT

PUBLIC DOMAIN NASA APOD

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2001-04-15 · ♈

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Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses

NASA APOD

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ZODIAC CONTEXT

♈

ARIES

In tropical astrology, 15 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 15 APR 2001.

THE ALMANAC FOR 15 APR 2001

DAY

Sunday

MOON

Last quarter, 54% lit

POSITION

Day 105 of 365

SAME DAY, OTHER YEARS

NEARBY DATES

This was your sky.

Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses

This was
your sky.