An amazing image of a star (Zeta Oph) plowing its way through interstellar space at 24 km/s. The stellar wind it creates as is pushing the interstellar dust and compressing it into something akin to a shockwave.
Zeta Oph punching through the interstellar medium. Image credit: APOD
This stunning image is a composite of three separate images of Tycho’s Supernova remnant.
The image is the remnant of a supernova first discovered over four hundred years ago. The composite is made up of an x-ray image, an infrared image and a telescope photo. Check out the APOD site for more info.
I couldn’t resist posting this one when I discovered it last night while researching the post about Simeis 147. This photo was taken from the Mall of Asia in Manila and is of the moon sneaking in front of the sun just before sunset. I’ll let the stunning imagery speak for itself. As always, photo is courtesy of APOD.
A Partial Eclipse Over Manila Bay
I even sent this one to my wife. 
Occasionally on the blog I like to post an image from APOD which gets my attention in some way. I used to do this far more regularly, but things have gotten in the way the last couple of years. I’m going to make an effort to post at least one of these per month.
I’m already late with the January entry, but here it is nonetheless:
Simeis 147: Supernova Remnant
Looking at this nebulous form gives you some idea of the power generated by a star as it collapses in on itself and sends matter spewing off in all directions toward parts unknown of our universe.
The width of this monstrous formation is 150 light years, or over 9.8 Million times the distance between our Sun and the earth. Kinda makes you think… When the light you see from this nebula this year began it’s journey toward Earth it was the year 1859 and the following notable activities took place:
So give a thought to history the next time you stare out at the cosmos.
Thanks to BrainyHistory.com for the historical factoids.