The sky on
your birthday.
Dust and the Helix Nebula
The Helix Nebula, NGC 7293, is 700 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. This Spitzer Space Telescope image shows infrared radiation from the nebula. The two-light-year-diameter shroud of dust and gas around a central white dwarf has long been considered an excellent example of a planetary nebula. Spitzer data shows the nebula's central star is immersed in a dusty debris disk.
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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 31 December 2009 · Lake Eyre, Australia See it as a poster -
Released on 31 December 2003 The cluster RDCS1252.9-2927 (overview) See it as a poster -
Released on 31 December 2018 The smoking gun of a newborn star See it as a poster -
Released on 31 December 2012 Don’t trust your eyes See it as a poster -
Released on 31 December 2017 To Fly Free in Space See it as a poster -
Released on 31 December 2024 The Twisted Disk of NGC 4753 See it as a poster
In tropical astrology, 31 DEC 2009 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 31 DEC 2009.
Questions about December 31, 2009
What space photo was released on December 31, 2009?
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 31, 2009 was "Dust and the Helix Nebula". It's the card at the top of this page.
What was the Moon's phase on December 31, 2009?
A full moon, about 100% lit.
What day of the week was December 31, 2009?
December 31, 2009 was a Thursday, day 365 of the 365 days in 2009.
What did the Sun and the Earth look like on December 31, 2009?
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.