Cosmic Wonders: Best Space Photos of the Week Feature Eclipses, Auroras, and Stellar Fireworks

by Rosa February 13, 2022

written by Rosa February 13, 2022

Best Space Photos of the Week: Cosmic Wonders from Eclipses to Stellar Explosions

Rainbow Eclipse Paints the Sky

On March 20th, a total solar eclipse graced the skies of the Faroe Islands and Svalbard, while partial eclipses were visible in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. This captivating event occurred when the moon aligned between Earth and the sun, casting its shadow upon our planet. As sunlight filtered through thin clouds in the United Kingdom, it created a mesmerizing prismatic effect, transforming the sky into a canvas of vibrant hues.

Aurora Sings the Blues in Alberta

The night sky over Alberta, Canada, came alive with an otherworldly display of blue and purple auroras on March 17th. Jeff Wallace captured this stunning spectacle, sparked by an intense solar storm that hit Earth on St. Patrick’s Day. Auroras occur when solar particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, energizing them and causing them to emit light. The blue tones in this particular aurora indicate the presence of hydrogen and helium gases high in the atmosphere.

Sparkling Dwarf Galaxy in the Cosmic Tapestry

The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of a small galaxy resembling a sprinkling of stardust against the vast expanse of space. This blue compact dwarf galaxy, known as PGC 51017, is experiencing a burst of star formation, evidenced by its bright blue stars that are just over 1.3 billion years old. Scientists study dwarf galaxies like PGC 51017 to gain insights into the formation of the first galaxies in the early universe.

Celebrating World Water Day Aboard the ISS

In honor of World Water Day on March 20th, astronaut Sam Cristoforetti shared a poignant image of water floating aboard the International Space Station. Her message emphasized the importance of water conservation, reminding us that both on Earth and in space, this precious resource is finite.

Stellar Fireworks: Explosions on a White Dwarf

Combining data from X-ray, optical, and radio telescopes, astronomers captured an image of a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of GK Persei, a white dwarf star. This classical nova occurs when a white dwarf pulls in material from a nearby companion star, triggering fusion reactions that can intensify into a powerful explosion. NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has observed GK Persei over 13 years to study the evolution of stellar explosions like this one.

Mars and Mercury: Contrasts in Temperature

While Mars is often referred to as the red planet, a false-color image of Mercury reveals that this tiny world can also experience fiery temperatures. NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft captured this image, showing Mercury’s north polar region tinted according to surface temperature. Large portions of Mercury appear red, indicating temperatures around 260 Fahrenheit, while craters near the pole remain in permanent shadow, reaching temperatures as low as -369 Fahrenheit, cold enough to support water ice at the surface.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.