AAPOD2 Image Archives

2025, July 2025 Charles Lillo 2025, July 2025 Charles Lillo

Supernova 2025mvn in Galaxy NGC 5033

A new stellar explosion lights up spiral galaxy NGC 5033 in this image taken from Weatherly, Pennsylvania, USA. Designated SN 2025mvn, the supernova appears just off-center within the galaxy's brilliant core, marked by yellow crosshairs. NGC 5033 lies about 40 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici and is noted for its active nucleus and prominent spiral structure.

Captured under Bortle Class 4 skies at Dark Side Observatory, the image reveals the galaxy’s luminous arms stretching outward, with the transient supernova outshining many of the surrounding stars. Events like SN 2025mvn help astronomers study the life cycles of massive stars and calibrate cosmic distances, making every supernova discovery a significant one in our quest to understand the universe.

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2023, October 2023 Charles Lillo 2023, October 2023 Charles Lillo

Comet 103P/Hartley and the Eskimo Nebula

This composite image captures the celestial journey of Comet 103P/Hartley against the backdrop of a starry night sky. The stacked image technique highlights the graceful trajectory of the comet, while accentuating the subtle motion of the trailing stars due to the Earth's rotation. Comet 103P/Hartley, known for its periodic return to the inner solar system, exhibits a distinguishable coma and tail, showcasing its volatile nature as it interacts with the solar wind. The juxtaposition of the comet's transient presence and the steadfast backdrop of the stars offers a profound visual testament to the dynamic and timeless nature of our universe.

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