Lots of energy in that big, black sky: M31, Mirach and M33

Lots of energy in that big, black sky: M31, Mirach and M33

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, Malcolm Park (North York Astronomical Association)] Separated by about 14 degrees (28 Full Moons) in planet Earth’s sky, spiral galaxies M31 at left, and M33 are both large members of the Local Group, along with our own Milky Way galaxy. This narrow- and wide-angle, multi-camera composite finds details of […]

Our nearest neighbor, the magnificent Adromeda galaxy

Our nearest neighbor, the magnificent Adromeda galaxy

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, M31 / Robert Gendler] What is the nearest major galaxy to our own Milky Way Galaxy? Andromeda. In fact, our Galaxy is thought to look much like Andromeda. Together these two galaxies dominate the Local Group of galaxies. The diffuse light from Andromeda is caused by the hundreds of […]

Phenomenal view through a gravitational lens of a galaxy cluster

Phenomenal view through a gravitational lens of a galaxy cluster

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, NASA, ESA, H. Lee & H. Ford (Johns Hopkins U.)] Many of the brightest blue images are of a single, unusual, beaded, blue, ring-like galaxy which just happens to line-up behind a giant cluster of galaxies. Cluster galaxies here typically appear yellow and — together with the cluster’s dark […]

The amazing Sombrero Galaxy’s glowing central core

The amazing Sombrero Galaxy’s glowing central core

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIS RESOLUTION, Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI /NASA)] Why does the Sombrero Galaxy look like a hat? Reasons include the Sombrero’s unusually large and extended central bulge of stars, and dark prominent dust lanes that appear in a disk that we see nearly edge-on. Billions of old stars cause the diffuse glow […]

Although its economy has hit the wall, Greece still has magnificent views (from the Temple of Poseidon)

Although its economy has hit the wall, Greece still has magnificent views (from the Temple of Poseidon)

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, Alexandros Maragos Although it may look like a lighthouse, the rays of light near the horizon actually emanate from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece. … Although meant to be a monument to the sea, in this image, the temple’s lights seem to be pointing out locations […]

Neighboring galaxy is same size as our own

Neighboring galaxy is same size as our own

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, Petri Kehusmaa, Harlingten Atacama Observatory] Large spiral galaxy NGC 4945 is seen edge-on near the center of this cosmic galaxy portrait. In fact, NGC 4945 is almost the size of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Its own dusty disk, young blue star clusters, and pink star forming regions standout […]

Almost every item in this photo is a galaxy

Almost every item in this photo is a galaxy

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, NASA, ESA, Hubble] The Coma Cluster of Galaxies pictured above is one of the densest clusters known – it contains thousands of galaxies. Each of these galaxies houses billions of stars – just as our own Milky Way Galaxy does. Although nearby when compared to most other clusters, light […]

A cosmic marvel from one of the Seven Wonders of Russia

A cosmic marvel from one of the Seven Wonders of Russia

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION, Sergei Makurin] You may have heard of the Seven Sisters in the sky, but have you heard about the Seven Strong Men on the ground? Located just west of the Ural Mountains, the unusual Manpupuner rock formations are one of the Seven Wonders of Russia. How these ancient 40-meter […]

‘Big bang’: The surprising case science is making for God

‘Big bang’: The surprising case science is making for God

By Eric Metaxas, Wall Street Journal In 1966 Time magazine ran a cover story asking: Is God Dead? Many have accepted the cultural narrative that he’s obsolete—that as science progresses, there is less need for a “God” to explain the universe. Yet it turns out that the rumors of God’s death were premature. More amazing […]

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