Posted on 07/10/2020 7:54:27 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Rounding the Sun on July 3rd and currently headed for the outer Solar System, Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) has been growing brighter in the predawn skies of planet Earth. From low Earth orbit it also rises before the Sun, captured above the approaching glow along the eastern horizon in this snapshot from the International Space Station on July 5. Venus, now Earth's morning star is the brilliant celestial beacon on the right in the field of view. Above Venus you can spot the sister stars of the more compact Pleiades cluster. Earthbound skygazers can spot this comet with the unaided eye, but should look for awesome views with binoculars.
(Excerpt) Read more at apod.nasa.gov ...
That should be every kid’s computer background.
Now...
Has everyone seen The Mars Rat?
That’s a great picture. Thanks for posting.
Orion and M-47 Nebula coming on from the horizon on the right side center, with the Pleiades open star cluster above M-47.
Whoop, that’s not M-47.
Nor is it M-42...lol. It’s easy to get turned around in orbit.
About the picture you posted, taken by astronaut Bob Behnken, Behnken says, “Stars, cities, spaceships, and a comet!” he tweeted from orbit.
Plus a sliver of daylight on the horizon and bright Venus keeping an eye on things from her perch above the sliver. So much in one photo!
Do you know the cities lit up below?
Not enough surface detail for that.
Below the Pleiades Cluster is Aldebaran / Hyades Cluster (Taurus), pretty sure.
bttt
Comet Hyakutake was the best comet I ever witnessed. In March 1996 it passed by the North Pole star. It was like a giant hour hand in the sky.
I’m 45 and I just made it my desktop background!
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