The sky on
your birthday.
Comet Wild 2's Nucleus from Stardust
On January 2, 2004, the Stardust spacecraft provided the most detailed images yet of a comet nucleus, that of Comet Wild 2. Comet nuclei are usually obscured by dust and gas that boils off as they approach the Sun. Stardust successfully dove through this debris cloud to photograph the icy core.
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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The Earth on your day The Earth on 3 January 2004 · Bahamas See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2006 Spirit Rover on Husband Hill See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2011 Stellar powerhouses in the Eagle Nebula See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2015 - It's a full moon as viewed from the International Space Station (ISS) on 3 January 2015 See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2014 Outcrop on Murray Ridge Section of Martian Crater Rim See it as a poster -
Released on 3 January 2024 The sun's glint beams off the Atlantic Ocean revealing the island country of the Republic of Cabo Verde (left) off See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 3 JAN 2004 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 3 JAN 2004.
Questions about January 3, 2004
What space photo was released on January 3, 2004?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 3, 2004 was "Comet Wild 2's Nucleus from Stardust". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on January 3, 2004?
A waxing gibbous moon, about 83% lit.
What day of the week was January 3, 2004?
January 3, 2004 was a Saturday, day 3 of the 366 days in 2004.
Was there a meteor shower on January 3, 2004?
Yes: the Quadrantid shower, peaks tomorrow.
What did the Sun and the Earth look like on January 3, 2004?
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.