The sky on
your birthday.
The First Explorer
Explorer I, a thirty-pound satellite, launched in 1958, marked the beginning of US space exploration. It carried instruments to measure temperature, micrometeorite impacts, and a cosmic ray detector designed by James A. Van Allen. Data from this experiment led to the discovery of Earth-encircling belts of high-energy particles, now known as the Van Allen belts.
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 August 2006 · Caspian Sea See it as a poster -
Released on 12 August 2026 2026 Partial Solar Eclipse See it as a poster -
Released on 12 August 2026 A partial solar eclipse is pictured from the International Space Station See it as a poster -
Released on 12 August 2012 Spiral Galaxy NGC 4038 in Collision See it as a poster -
Released on 12 August 2013 Stars fleeing a cosmic crash See it as a poster -
Released on 12 August 2026 2026 Total Solar Eclipse See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 12 AUG 2006 falls under Leo (♌). The sign's window runs from 07-23 through 08-22. Leo is anchored by Regulus, the heart of the Lion, twenty-four parsecs from Earth. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 12 AUG 2006.
Questions about August 12, 2006
What space photo was released on August 12, 2006?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 12, 2006 was "The First Explorer". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on August 12, 2006?
A waning gibbous moon, about 90% lit.
What day of the week was August 12, 2006?
August 12, 2006 was a Saturday, day 224 of the 365 days in 2006.
Was there a meteor shower on August 12, 2006?
Yes: the Perseid shower, peaks tomorrow.
What did the Sun and the Earth look like on August 12, 2006?
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.