Astronomy Picture of the Day · December 8, 2016

Whirlpool with Comets

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 8, 2016 is “Whirlpool with Comets,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: José J. Chambó ( Cometografia )). The original explanation runs about 130 words.

From the explanation

“Not a comet , bright spiral galaxy Messier 51 is popularly known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. Just off the handle of the Big Dipper in northern skies, you can spot it at the upper left in this image from December 1st.”

— APOD editors, December 8, 2016

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: December 8, 2016
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: José J. Chambó ( Cometografia )
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 130 words

All of December 2016 → · 2016 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

Galaxies Comets

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: December 8 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, December 8, 2016 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2016-december-8-whirlpool-with-comets

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.