Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 15, 2001 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 158 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, April 15, 2001

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
April 15, 2001
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 158 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.