Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Solstice Sun and Milky Way

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 21, 2021 is “Solstice Sun and Milky Way,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Composite Image Credit & Copyright: Stefan Seip ( TWAN )). The original explanation runs about 196 words.

The featured image shows a composite image of the Sun superposed on the Milky Way. The image shows the night sky you would see if the Sun was very dim. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Composite Image Credit & Copyright: Stefan Seip ( TWAN ) Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Welcome to December’s solstice, first day of winter in the north and summer for the southern hemisphere. Astronomical markers of the seasons, solstice and equinox dates are based on the Sun’s place in its annual journey along the ecliptic , through planet Earth’s sky.”

— APOD editors, December 21, 2021

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
December 21, 2021
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Composite Image Credit & Copyright: Stefan Seip ( TWAN )
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 196 words

All of December 2021 → · 2021 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

The SunThe Milky WayGalaxies

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: December 21 in other years

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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.