Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 16, 2000 is “The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory,” an image. It is credited to Credit: STS-37 Crew, Compton Science Support Center , NASA. The original explanation runs about 148 words.

The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
Credit: STS-37 Crew, Compton Science Support Center , NASA Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) was the most massive instrument ever launched by a NASA Space Shuttle in 1991 and continues to revolutionize gamma-ray astronomy . Before Compton loses more stabilizing gyroscopes, NASA is considering firing onboard rockets to bring it on a controlled reentry into the ocean.”

— APOD editors, January 16, 2000

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
January 16, 2000
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: STS-37 Crew, Compton Science Support Center , NASA
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 148 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.