Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for November 19, 1997 is “Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses,” an image. It is credited to Credit: B. Stecklum (TLS) et al., WFPC2, HST, NASA. The original explanation runs about 154 words.

Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses
Credit: B. Stecklum (TLS) et al., WFPC2, HST, NASA Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Unusual appendages around bright stars are commonplace, but never seem to be mentioned. What are they?”

— APOD editors, November 19, 1997

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
November 19, 1997
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: B. Stecklum (TLS) et al., WFPC2, HST, NASA
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 154 words

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.