The story of the 10 most beautiful space photos

On the occasion of the United Nations choosing 2009 as the "Year of Astronomy", MSNBC news agency selected 10 photos on the website of Nemiroff and Bonnell to introduce to the public.

Since June 16, 1995, Professor Robert Nemiroff, Michigan University of Technology and scientist Jerry Bonnell, NASA's Aerospace Agency (NASA) regularly implement an "astronomical photo" project every day. , they took turns to select the most beautiful astronomical photos of the day to put on the website "Top 10 astronomical photographs of all time".

On the occasion of the United Nations choosing 2009 as the "Astronomical Year" (the 400th anniversary of Galileo scientist representing humans for the first time observing the sky with a telescope), MSNBC news agency selected 10 photos on the page. Nemiroff and Bonnell's web site to introduce to the public.

Here are 10 astronomical photos that MSNBC rated as the most beautiful:

- The earth grows on the horizon of the moon

Living on earth, human beings can only watch the sunrise, the moon rises . but the picture above was taken by Apollo 8 astronauts (brought to the moon in 1968) marked the time. first humans see the earth grow. Nemiroff said: 'I think people exist in many contexts. Through the picture, we clearly see that humans are living in a giant blue marble ' .

- People walk on the moon

Harrison Schmitt astronaut walked on the moon in a small car as Apollo landed the moon for the last time in December 1972. While there are many historical photos taken from the moon's surface, Nemiroff still says: 'I like this picture. It shows the surface of the moon, showing us the wild but equally stunning landscape. And with the presence of a person on it, the easier it is to compare and feel '. Gene Cernan, commander of the Apollo 17, was the last astronaut to walk on the moon and also the photographer.

- Sun claws

The photograph from the SOHO Solar Observatory gives people a new awareness of the sun, the central object of the solar system. The image of this single star seen during the day shows behind the blinding light from the earth there is also a complex, intense movement. The lower left corner of the sphere is a large pillar of fire that bursts out, often referred to as a fire ear, shaped like a giant claw. Nemiroff said: 'Our Earth will easily fit into that claw.'

- Observe the solar eclipse from the universe

Every time a total solar eclipse occurs (the whole moon moves between the sun and the earth and hides the sun for a short time), thousands of people cross thousands of kilometers just to admire This amazing phenomenon. However, they only observed the phenomenon from below, the astronauts on the Peace Space Station (Mir) were more fortunate, watching the event from space. They recorded this rare moment on August 11, 1999. According to Nemiroff, this photo is a great teaching tool.'People will understand that the moon obscuring the sun will form a shadow on the earth. And when they get into that shadow area, they'll see a total solar eclipse, ' Nemiroff said.

- The stars "born"

The Hubble Space Telescope captures the image of the Eagle Nebula (also known as the Tectonic Column) in 1995. Huge columns of dust gas are millennia-lit bright columns formed from dust and gas. concentrated. This mixture will accumulate and form stars. Nemoriff said: 'The highest column of gas columns continues to boil by the globes. This nebula is located 7,000 light-years from the ground, which means these images took place 7,000 light-years ago. "

- Fields of tectonic columns

The 0.9-meter-diameter telescope is located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA, which has captured an image of a 'field' of dusty gas columns creating the Eagle nebula, bringing an angle completely new look. Nemoriff said: 'This is a picture that helps you observe the center of the Eagle Eagle from a distance. And we can see the pink star clusters being shaped here. '

- Our neighbors

Andromeda spiral galaxies (also known as Tien galaxies) are considered to be the closest galaxies to the galaxy (Milky Way, a galaxy of galaxies containing the solar system, including the earth), two million years from Earth. the light. With the observation devices, the galaxy Andromedia appeared like a mist with a blank eye in the center. Amateur astronaut Robert Gendler is the photographer of this magnificent galaxy, his photograph in addition to the value of scientific research is also a true work of art.

- Earth at night

The images collected from the US satellite satellites are synthesized together and create a panorama of the Earth at night. Nemoriff said: 'This is the only edited photo of the most beautiful astronomical photos'.

- Columbia ship

On April 12, 1981, Columbia space spacecraft was successfully launched at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida State, USA. This event opened up a new era in human conquest of the universe, this is the first time humans have flown into the universe by using multiple shuttles.

This photo was taken the night before the historic ship launch. According to Nemiroff, this is a picture that has both artistic value and historical significance. The launch of the test ship took place over two days and ended when the ship landed safely at Edwards Army Base in California, USA.

- Robot "attacks" the space station

Nemiroff and colleague Jerry Bonnel always make their site more interesting. They put real photos on the web with comments or funny names. One of them is the "robot attacking the ISS Station" (International Space Station). Through the picture, we can see Earth, the space station, the chaotic setting, and finally the robot with the posture of attacking the ISS station. But in fact, this is a friendly Dextre robot image that helps astronauts repair and build on space.