Astronomy Picture of the Day · March 8, 2003

Solar Sail

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 8, 2003 is “Solar Sail,” an image. It is credited to Credit: NASA / MSFC Illustration. The original explanation runs about 162 words.

From the explanation

“Nearly 400 years ago astronomer Johannes Kepler observed comet tails blown by a solar breeze and suggested that vessels might likewise navigate through space using appropriately fashioned sails .”

— APOD editors, March 8, 2003

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: March 8, 2003
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: NASA / MSFC Illustration
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 162 words

All of March 2003 → · 2003 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

Comets

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: March 8 in other years

On Amazon

Popular picks for space fans

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Electronics Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB Read astronomy and space-history books anywhere. View on Amazon → Electronics Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise-cancelling headphones for documentaries and launch livestreams. View on Amazon →

Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, March 8, 2003 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2003-march-8-solar-sail

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.