Astronomy Picture of the Day · December 22, 2021

Launch of the IXPE Observatory

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 22, 2021 is “Launch of the IXPE Observatory,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Jordan Sirokie). The original explanation runs about 160 words.

The featured image shows a long exposure image of the launch of NASA's IXPE observatory to low Earth orbit. The launch was on a Falcon 9 Rocket by SpaceX. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. — Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Jordan Sirokie Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Birds don’t fly this high. Airplanes don’t go this fast.”

— APOD editors, December 22, 2021

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: December 22, 2021
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Jordan Sirokie
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 160 words

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, December 22, 2021 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2021-december-22-launch-of-the-ixpe-observatory

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.