The sky on
your birthday.
Eta Carinae and the Homunculus Nebula
About 165 years ago, the southern star Eta Carinae mysteriously became the second brightest star in the night sky. In 20 years, after ejecting more mass than our Sun, Eta Car unexpectedly faded. This outburst appears to have created the Homunculus Nebula, captured here by the Hubble Space Telescope. The purple-tinted light in the center is reflected from the star.
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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 17 June 2008 · Madagascar See it as a poster -
Released on 17 June 2025 Rosette Nebula Deep Field See it as a poster -
Released on 17 June 2019 The full moon is pictured as the International Space Station orbited 254 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of Guam See it as a poster -
Released on 17 June 2025 The city lights of Southeast Asia and lightning storms streak below the International Space Station See it as a poster -
Released on 17 June 2026 Lunar Occultation of Venus See it as a poster -
Released on 17 June 2019 Spiral, elliptical, irregular See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 17 JUN 2008 falls under Gemini (♊). The sign's window runs from 05-21 through 06-20. Gemini is named for the twin stars Castor and Pollux, both bright enough to spot without a telescope. The Sun was crossing this region of the sky on 17 JUN 2008.
Questions about June 17, 2008
What space photo was released on June 17, 2008?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for June 17, 2008 was "Eta Carinae and the Homunculus Nebula". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on June 17, 2008?
A full moon, about 98% lit.
What day of the week was June 17, 2008?
June 17, 2008 was a Tuesday, day 169 of the 366 days in 2008.
What did the Sun and the Earth look like on June 17, 2008?
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.