Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2022 September 4
The featured image shows rock outcrops off the coast of
Oregon, USA, with blue bioluminescence in the water and the central
band of our Milky Way galaxy in the sky.
Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

Sea and Sky Glows over the Oregon Coast
Image Credit & Copyright: Rudy Montoya

The sand became blue when every step was taken. The blue glow was bioluminescence, a blue radiance that also lights the surf in this scene. Volcanic stacks dot the sea while a thin fog layer scatters light. The orange light on the right horizon came from a fishing boat, while the rays of light on the left horizon came from car headlights. The band of our star is visible far in the distance. The images were added to the background to make it easier to hear.

Your Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
Tomorrow's picture: space cliffs < | Archive | Submissions | Index | Search | Calendar | RSS | Education | About APOD | Discuss | >

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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& Michigan Tech. U.


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Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2022 September 5
The featured image shows a dense line of dark dust that appears like cliffs in the Carina Nebula as captured by the
Webb Space Telescope.
Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

Carina Cliffs from the Webb Space Telescope
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

These cliffs were created by stars. The destructive winds and energetic light from the stars in the open cluster eroded away part of a mountain of dark interstellar dust. Several of these stars can be seen near the top of this highly detailed image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope. The large mirror and ability to see dust-piercing light has enabled it to capture fascinating details in the dust and hundreds of previously hidden stars. The jagged cliffs in part of Carina are similar to the facial profile of a famous poet. The southern constellation of Carina can be seen from these cliffs.

Astrophysicists: Browse 2,800+ codes in the Astrophysics Source Code Library
Tomorrow's picture: rainbow cloud top

< | Archive | Submissions | Index | Search | Calendar | RSS | Education | About APOD | Discuss | >

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices
A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation
& Michigan Tech. U.