Andromeda Galaxy
galaxy · NASA
This image is from NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer is an observation of the large galaxy in Andromeda, Messier 31. The Andromeda galaxy is the most massive in the local group of galaxies that includes our Milky Way.
Image collection
Explore the image collection. Each link opens a fixed image-and-thought combination, with source and license details available through the information button.
Galaxy NGC5474
galaxy · NASA
NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer took this ultraviolet color image of the galaxy NGC5474 on June 7, 2003. NGC5474 is located 20 million light-years from Earth and is within a group of galaxies dominated by the Messier 101 galaxy. Star formation in this galaxy shows some evidence of a disturbed spiral pattern, which may have been induced by tidal interactions with Messier 101. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04634
Virgo Galaxy Cluster
galaxy · NASA
This ultraviolet image from NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer is of a small area of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07906
Galaxy UGC10445
galaxy · NASA
This ultraviolet color image of the galaxy UGC10445 was taken by NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer on June 7 and June 14, 2003. UGC10445 is a spiral galaxy located 40 million light-years from Earth. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04623
Galaxy NGC5962
galaxy · NASA
NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer took this ultraviolet color image of the galaxy NGC5962 on June 7, 2003. This spiral galaxy is located 90 million light-years from Earth. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04635
Weighing in on the Dumbbell Nebula
nebula · NASA
The Dumbbell nebula, also known as Messier 27, pumps out infrared light in this image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae are now known to be the remains of stars that once looked a lot like our sun.
Ant Nebula
nebula · NASA
This image from NASA Hubble Space Telescope image of a celestial object called the Ant Nebula may shed new light on the future demise of our Sun.
Trifid Nebula
nebula · NASA
Atlas Image mosaic, covering 14.8 x 20.0 on the sky, of the Trifid Nebula, aka Messier 20 and NGC 6514. The Trifid is only about 1.5 degrees northwest on the sky of the larger Lagoon Nebula Messier 8 in the constellation Sagittarius
Earth Observation from the International Space Station
earth from space · NASA
Night Earth Observation from the International Space Station
Earth observations taken during STS-75
earth from space · NASA
Earth observations taken during the STS-75 mission from the space shuttle Columbia.
Nearside of the Moon
moon · NASA
Nearside of the Moon
Color of the Moon
moon · NASA
Color of the Moon
Hubble Captures Vivid Auroras in Jupiter’s Atmosphere
aurora · NASA
Astronomers are using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study auroras — stunning light shows in a planet’s atmosphere — on the poles of the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter. This observation program is supported by measurements made by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, currently on its way to Jupiter. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is best known for its colorful storms, the most famous being the Great Red Spot. Now astronomers have focused on another beautiful feature of the planet, using Hubble's ultraviolet capabilities. The extraordinary vivid glows shown in the new observations are known as auroras. They are created when high-energy particles enter a planet’s atmosphere near its magnetic poles and collide with atoms of gas. As well as producing beautiful images, this program aims to determine how various components of Jupiter’s auroras respond to different conditions in the solar wind, a stream of charged particles ejected from the sun. This observation program is perfectly timed as NASA’s Juno spacecraft is currently in the solar wind near Jupiter and will enter the orbit of the planet in early July 2016. While Hubble is observing and measuring the auroras on Jupiter, Juno is measuring the properties of the solar wind itself; a perfect collaboration between a telescope and a space probe. “These auroras are very dramatic and among the most active I have ever seen”, said Jonathan Nichols from the University of Leicester, U.K., and principal investigator of the study. “It almost seems as if Jupiter is throwing a firework party for the imminent arrival of Juno.” Credits: NASA, ESA, and J. Nichols (University of Leicester)
Io Aurorae
aurora · NASA
Io Aurorae
Saturn Auroras
aurora · NASA
Saturn Auroras
Aurorae Chaos
aurora · NASA
Aurorae Chaos
Aurora Borealis at Kennedy Space Center
aurora · NASA
The faint glow of an aurora is seen over Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Auroras are created by energetic electrons, which rain down from Earth’s magnetic bubble and interact with particles in the upper atmosphere to create glowing lights that stretch across the sky.
Quartz
minerals · Smithsonian
Quartz is a silicon-and-oxygen mineral abundant in the crust of the Earth. Small amounts of impurities can produce many different colors.
Quartz (var. rock crystal)
minerals · Smithsonian
Rock crystal is the colorless variety of quartz. It has the same silicon-and-oxygen composition as other quartz varieties.
Quartz (var. amethyst)
minerals · Smithsonian
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. It belongs to the same mineral family as colorless rock crystal and yellow-to-orange citrine.
Quartz (var. dendritic agate)
minerals · Smithsonian
This Smithsonian specimen is cataloged as dendritic agate, a variety of quartz. The name distinguishes it from the other quartz varieties in the collection.
Heulandite
minerals · Smithsonian
Heulandite is a hydrated aluminosilicate mineral in the zeolite group. Zeolites can absorb, release, and exchange substances within their structures.
Spodumene (var. kunzite)
minerals · Smithsonian
Kunzite is the pink-to-violet variety of spodumene. Its characteristic colors are associated with trace amounts of manganese.
Corundum (var. ruby)
minerals · Smithsonian
Ruby is the red variety of corundum. Trace amounts of chromium give the mineral its characteristic red color.
GRA 98098,20
minerals · Smithsonian
This Smithsonian specimen is labeled GRA 98098,20. GRA 98098, also known as Graves Nunataks 98098, is a basaltic eucrite meteorite.
GRA 98098,14
minerals · Smithsonian
This Smithsonian specimen is labeled GRA 98098,14. It shares the Graves Nunataks 98098 meteorite name with the separately cataloged GRA 98098,20 specimen.
Opal
minerals · Smithsonian
Opal is a form of silica. Some opals display a shifting play of color, a feature used to describe and evaluate the material.
Roebling Opal
minerals · Smithsonian
The Roebling Opal is a 2,585-carat piece of rough black opal from Virgin Valley, Nevada. The Smithsonian describes flashes of blue and green in its play of color.
Dark Jubilee Opal
minerals · Smithsonian
The Dark Jubilee Opal is a free-form polished black opal from Coober Pedy, Australia. The Smithsonian lists its weight as 318.44 carats.
Geode
minerals · Smithsonian
Geodes are geological formations with internal cavities where minerals can crystallize. Their interiors can differ markedly from their outer surfaces.
Garnet lherzolite
minerals · Smithsonian
Garnet lherzolite is a garnet-bearing rock type. Lherzolite assemblages include olivine and pyroxene minerals.
Garnet schist
minerals · Smithsonian
Garnet schist is a garnet-bearing metamorphic rock. Schist is characterized by a strongly foliated structure, reflecting the alignment of its minerals.
Hummocked Ridge Formation - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
ROV Deep Discoverer surveys a hummocked ridge during the 2025 Papahanaumokuakea expedition. Supporting ROV Seirios photographed the scene at a depth of 2,368 meters.
Vailulu’u Seamount - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
This visualization combines seafloor bathymetry with sonar backscatter collected at Vailuluu Seamount in 2017. A bubble plume above the seafloor suggests hydrothermal activity.
Open Lava Tube - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
An open lava tube was observed during the 2011 Galapagos Rift expedition. Seawater can cool the exterior of a lava flow while molten lava inside drains away, leaving a hollow space.
"Black Smoker" - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
This black smoker was documented during the 2016 Marianas expedition, where vent fluid reached 339 degrees Celsius. Minerals precipitate as the hot fluid meets cold seawater, building vent chimneys.
Bubble-Like Landscape - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
Rounded, bubble-like terrain on Castle Rock Seamount was recorded on Dive 06 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.
Pillow Lava - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
A mound of pillow lava was documented during the 2016 Marianas expedition. These rounded basalt formations develop as lava erupts underwater and its surface cools against seawater.
Active Black Smoker Hydrothermal Vent - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
ROV Deep Discoverer recorded this active black smoker near the end of Dive 02 during the second Voyage to the Ridge expedition in 2022.
Pillow Basalts - NOAA Ocean Exploration
seafloor · NOAA Ocean Exploration
A wall of pillow basalts was explored on Dive 14 of the 2025 Papahanaumokuakea expedition. The rocky habitat supported corals, sponges, echinoderms, and crustaceans.
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color along the Gardner River
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color along the Gardner River. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Aspen leaves with fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Aspen leaves with fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color on Mt Everts
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color on Mt Everts. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color on Mt Everts
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color on Mt Everts. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Grass turning brown in fall
landscape · National Park Service
Grass turning brown in fall. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Grass turning brown in fall
landscape · National Park Service
Grass turning brown in fall. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Fall color in an aspen grove
landscape · National Park Service
Fall color in an aspen grove. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Winter in the Upper Geyser Basin
landscape · National Park Service
Winter in the Upper Geyser Basin. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Yellowstone River at Fishing Bridge in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Yellowstone River at Fishing Bridge in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Upper Geyser Basin in late afternoon/evening in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Upper Geyser Basin in late afternoon/evening in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hot spring & Castle Geyser surrounded by snow in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Hot spring & Castle Geyser surrounded by snow in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hot spring & Castle Geyser surrounded by snow in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Hot spring & Castle Geyser surrounded by snow in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Lamar Valley in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Lamar Valley in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Cornice in the Beartooth Mountains in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Cornice in the Beartooth Mountains in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by William S Keller (1976).
Sunlight on snow in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Sunlight on snow in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Judson (1974).
Upper Geyser Basin in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Upper Geyser Basin in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by JW Stockert (1972).
Upper Geyser Basin in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Upper Geyser Basin in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by JR Douglass (1969).
Upper Geyser Basin in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Upper Geyser Basin in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by JR Douglass (1971).
Upper Geyser Basin in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Upper Geyser Basin in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Canter (1971).
Evergreens in winter in the Norris area
landscape · National Park Service
Evergreens in winter in the Norris area. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Canter (1969).
Snow overhang on a building in the winter
landscape · National Park Service
Snow overhang on a building in the winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by William S Keller (1969).
Old Faithful visitor center in the winter
landscape · National Park Service
Old Faithful visitor center in the winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Canter (1967).
Deer in front of the Old Faithful Inn in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Deer in front of the Old Faithful Inn in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Schultz (1974).
Snow on trees in winter
landscape · National Park Service
Snow on trees in winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Richard Lake (1969).
Old Faithful visitor center in the winter
landscape · National Park Service
Old Faithful visitor center in the winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Canter (1967).
Norris museum in the winter
landscape · National Park Service
Norris museum in the winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Richard Lake (1968).
Canyon visitor center in the winter
landscape · National Park Service
Canyon visitor center in the winter. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by RG Johnsson (1964).
National Park Mountain
landscape · National Park Service
National Park Mountain. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. The collection does not identify the photographer or date.
Bunsen Peak with clouds
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak with clouds. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Obsidian Cliff
landscape · National Park Service
Obsidian Cliff. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley from Dunraven Pass - Red Mtns. in distance
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley from Dunraven Pass - Red Mtns. in distance. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Golden Gate
landscape · National Park Service
Golden Gate. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Bison, Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Bison, Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley with clouds
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley with clouds. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley - Yellowstone River & Washburn Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hayden Valley near Crater Hills
landscape · National Park Service
Hayden Valley near Crater Hills. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
View to the NE from summit of Bunsen Peak - Blacktail Plateau
landscape · National Park Service
View to the NE from summit of Bunsen Peak - Blacktail Plateau. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by RG Johnsson (1960).
Bunsen Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Dated 1964; the photographer is not identified in the collection.
Bunsen Peak & Africa Lake
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak & Africa Lake. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by Bach (1963).
Bunsen Peak fro upper terraces
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak fro upper terraces. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Dated 1963; the photographer is not identified in the collection.
Bunsen Peak (from Swan Lake Flats) with August snow
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak (from Swan Lake Flats) with August snow. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Dated 1964; the photographer is not identified in the collection.
Bunsen Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Bunsen Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Dated 1964; the photographer is not identified in the collection.
Mt Everts - bighorn sheep winter range
landscape · National Park Service
Mt Everts - bighorn sheep winter range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by William W Dunmire (1969).
Specimen Ridge
landscape · National Park Service
Specimen Ridge. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Specimen Ridge
landscape · National Park Service
Specimen Ridge. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Specimen Ridge
landscape · National Park Service
Specimen Ridge. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Round Prairie & Amphitheater Mountain
landscape · National Park Service
Round Prairie & Amphitheater Mountain. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Lamar Valley & River
landscape · National Park Service
Lamar Valley & River. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Lamar River & Valley
landscape · National Park Service
Lamar River & Valley. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Abiather Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Abiather Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Barronette Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Barronette Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Soda Butte - Abiathar Peak, Amphitheater Mountain
landscape · National Park Service
Soda Butte - Abiathar Peak, Amphitheater Mountain. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Mt Everts & Gallatin Range
landscape · National Park Service
Mt Everts & Gallatin Range. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Hellroaring Creek & the Yellowstone river area
landscape · National Park Service
Hellroaring Creek & the Yellowstone river area. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Mt Norris
landscape · National Park Service
Mt Norris. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Mt Norris & the Lamar River
landscape · National Park Service
Mt Norris & the Lamar River. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Meridian Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Meridian Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Barronette Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Barronette Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Meridian Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Meridian Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
Barronette Peak
landscape · National Park Service
Barronette Peak. From the National Park Service Yellowstone scenic photo collection. Photograph by J Schmidt (1977).
NGC 7293, the Helix Nebula
nebula · NASA
NGC 7293, better known as the Helix nebula, displays its ultraviolet glow courtesy of NASA GALEX. The Helix is the nearest example of a planetary nebula, which is the eventual fate of a star, like our own Sun, as it approaches the end of its life.
Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 also Known as the Helix Nebula
nebula · NASA
This ultraviolet image from NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer is of the planetary nebula NGC 7293 also known as the Helix Nebula. It is the nearest example of what happens to a star, like our own Sun, as it approaches the end of its life when it runs out of fuel, expels gas outward and evolves into a much hotter, smaller and denser white dwarf star. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07902
Galaxy NGC5398
galaxy · NASA
This is an ultraviolet color image of the galaxy NGC5398 taken by NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer on June 7, 2003. NGC5398 is a barred spiral galaxy located 60 million light-years from Earth. The star formation is concentrated in the two bright regions of the image. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04633
Portrait of a Galaxy Life
galaxy · NASA
Evidence from NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer supports the long-held notion that many galaxies begin life as smaller spirals before transforming into larger, elliptical-shaped galaxies.
Galaxy Messier 83
galaxy · NASA
This image of the spiral galaxy Messier 83 was taken by NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer on June 7, 2003. Located 15 million light years from Earth and known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, Messier 83 displays significant amounts of ultraviolet emissions far from the optically bright portion of the galaxy. It is also known to have an extended hydrogen disc that appears to radiate a faint ultraviolet emission. The red stars in the foreground of the image are Milky Way stars. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04629
Triple Scoop from Galaxy Hunter
galaxy · NASA
Located 10 million light-years away in the southern constellation Sculptor, the Silver Dollar galaxy, or NGC 253, is one of the brightest spiral galaxies in the night sky as seen in this edge-on view from NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer.
Galaxy Centaurus A
galaxy · NASA
This image of the active galaxy Centaurus A was taken by NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer on June 7, 2003. The galaxy is located 30 million light-years from Earth and is seen edge on, with a prominent dust lane across the major axis. In this image the near ultraviolet emission is represented as green, and the far ultraviolet emission as blue. The galaxy exhibits jets of high energy particles, which were traced by the X-ray emission and measured by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. These X-ray emissions are seen as red in the image. Several regions of ultraviolet emission can be seen where the jets of high energy particles intersect with hydrogen clouds in the upper left corner of the image. The emission shown may be the result of recent star formation triggered by the compression of gas by the jet. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04624
Frankenstein Galaxy
galaxy · NASA
The galaxy UGC 1382 has been revealed to be far larger and stranger than previously thought. Astronomers relied on a combination of ground-based and space telescopes to uncover the true nature of this "Frankenstein galaxy." The composite image shows the same galaxy as viewed with different instruments. The component images are also available. In the image at left, UGC 1382 appears to be a simple elliptical galaxy, based on optical data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). But spiral arms emerged when astronomers incorporated ultraviolet data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and deep optical data from SDSS, as seen in the middle image. Combining that with a view of low-density hydrogen gas (shown in green), detected at radio wavelengths by the Very Large Array, scientists discovered that UGC 1382 is a giant, and one of the largest isolated galaxies known. GALEX in particular was able detect very faint features because it operated from space, which is necessary for UV observations because ultraviolet light is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. Astronomers also used Stripe 82 of SDSS, a small region of sky where SDSS imaged the sky 80 times longer than the original standard SDSS survey. This enabled optical detection of much fainter features as well. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20695
Star Cluster Overshadowed by Infrared Objects
star cluster · NASA
Star clusters such as the Pleiades are often considered some of the most beautiful objects in the sky. This image of the star cluster NGC 2259 is from NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer.
WISE Reveals a Hidden Star Cluster
star cluster · NASA
NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer has seen a cluster of newborn stars enclosed in a cocoon of dust and gas in the constellation Camelopardalis.
Ancient Galaxy Cluster Still Producing Stars
star cluster · NASA
Astronomers have found that stars are forming more rapidly in the center of a distant galaxy cluster than at its edges, which is completely reversed from galaxy clusters seen in the local universe.
Catching a Cluster of Stars
star cluster · NASA
While NASA Cassini spacecraft was pointed to study Saturn F ring, it happened to catch a globular star cluster passing through the camera field of view. Animations are available at the Photojournal.
Cluster of Stars in Kepler Sight
star cluster · NASA
This image zooms into a small portion of NASA Kepler full field of view, an expansive, 100-square-degree patch of sky in our Milky Way galaxy. An eight-billion-year-old cluster of stars 13,000 light-years from Earth, called NGC 6791, can be seen in the image. Clusters are families of stars that form together out of the same gas cloud. This particular cluster is called an open cluster, because the stars are loosely bound and have started to spread out from each other. The area pictured is 0.2 percent of Kepler's full field of view, and shows hundreds of stars in the constellation Lyra. The image has been color-coded so that brighter stars appear white, and fainter stars, red. It is a 60-second exposure, taken on April 8, 2009, one day after the spacecraft's dust cover was jettisoned. Kepler was designed to hunt for planets like Earth. The mission will spend the next three-and-a-half years staring at the same stars, looking for periodic dips in brightness. Such dips occur when planets cross in front of their stars from our point of view in the galaxy, partially blocking the starlight. To achieve the level of precision needed to spot planets as small as Earth, Kepler's images are intentionally blurred slightly. This minimizes the number of saturated stars. Saturation, or "blooming," occurs when the brightest stars overload the individual pixels in the detectors, causing the signal to spill out into nearby pixels. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA11986
Vivid View of Tycho Supernova Remnant
supernova remnant · NASA
This composite image of the Tycho supernova remnant combines infrared and X-ray observations obtained with NASA Spitzer and Chandra space observatories, respectively,
Kepler Supernova Remnant: A View from Spitzer Space Telescope
supernova remnant · NASA
This Spitzer false-color image is a composite of data from the 24 micron channel of Spitzer's multiband imaging photometer (red), and three channels of its infrared array camera: 8 micron (yellow), 5.6 micron (blue), and 4.8 micron (green). Stars are most prominent in the two shorter wavelengths, causing them to show up as turquoise. The supernova remnant is most prominent at 24 microns, arising from dust that has been heated by the supernova shock wave, and re-radiated in the infrared. The 8 micron data shows infrared emission from regions closely associated with the optically emitting regions. These are the densest regions being encountered by the shock wave, and probably arose from condensations in the surrounding material that was lost by the supernova star before it exploded. The composite above (PIA06908, PIA06909, and PIA06910) represent views of Kepler's supernova remnant taken in X-rays, visible light, and infrared radiation. Each top panel in the composite above shows the entire remnant. Each color in the composite represents a different region of the electromagnetic spectrum, from X-rays to infrared light. The X-ray and infrared data cannot be seen with the human eye. Astronomers have color-coded those data so they can be seen in these images. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA06910
Spitzer Spies Supernova Remnant HBH 3
supernova remnant · NASA
Thin, red veins of energized gas mark the location of the supernova remnant HBH 3 in this image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. The puffy, white feature in the image is a portion of the star forming regions W3, W4 and W5. Infrared wavelengths of 3.6 microns have been mapped to blue, and 4.5 microns to red. The white color of the star-forming region is a combination of both wavelengths, while the HBH 3 filaments radiate only at the longer 4.5 micron wavelength. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22564
Kepler Supernova Remnant: A View from Chandra X-Ray Observatory
supernova remnant · NASA
The images indicate that the bubble of gas that makes up the supernova remnant appears different in various types of light. Chandra reveals the hottest gas [colored blue and colored green], which radiates in X-rays. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA06908
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
planet · NASA
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
Jupiter Great Red Spot
planet · NASA
Jupiter Great Red Spot
Historic Merger of Storms on Jupiter
planet · NASA
Historic Merger of Storms on Jupiter
Jupiter System Montage
planet · NASA
Jupiter System Montage
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
planet · NASA
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
Jupiter from Voyager 2
planet · NASA
Jupiter from Voyager 2
Jupiter Violent Storms
planet · NASA
Jupiter Violent Storms
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
planet · NASA
Time Series of Jupiter Aurora
Waves on Saturn
planet · NASA
Waves on Saturn
Bound to Saturn
planet · NASA
Bound to Saturn
Splendid Saturn
planet · NASA
Splendid Saturn
Shadowing Saturn
planet · NASA
Shadowing Saturn
Saturn in Recline
planet · NASA
Saturn in Recline
Bold Saturn
planet · NASA
Bold Saturn
Looming Saturn
planet · NASA
Looming Saturn
Whirlwinds of Saturn
planet · NASA
Whirlwinds of Saturn
Opportunity Slices into the Surface of Mars
mars · NASA
Opportunity Slices into the Surface of Mars
Mars Surface Layers in Infrared
mars · NASA
This image from NASA Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows signs of layering exposed at the surface in a region of Mars called Terra Meridiani. The brightness levels show daytime surface temperatures.
Mars Surface Layers in Infrared
mars · NASA
Infrared imaging from NASA Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows signs of layering exposed at the surface in a region of Mars called Terra Meridiani.
Mars - Surface Temperature South Polar Region
mars · NASA
Mars - Surface Temperature South Polar Region
Aurora Borealis at Kennedy Space Center
aurora · NASA
The faint glow of an aurora is seen over Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Auroras are created by energetic electrons, which rain down from Earth’s magnetic bubble and interact with particles in the upper atmosphere to create glowing lights that stretch across the sky.
Aurora Borealis at Kennedy Space Center
aurora · NASA
The faint glow of an aurora is seen over Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Auroras are created by energetic electrons, which rain down from Earth’s magnetic bubble and interact with particles in the upper atmosphere to create glowing lights that stretch across the sky.