Astronomy Picture of the Day · May 21, 2023

Tardigrade in Moss

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 21, 2023 is “Tardigrade in Moss,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Nicole Ottawa & Oliver Meckes / Eye of Science / Science Source Images). The original explanation runs about 194 words.

An usual looking creature is pictured which may appear alien but is actually a Earth-dwelling tardigrade. The tardigrade has no apparent eyes, a light brown body, a circular gear-like snout, and claws at the end of its numerous feet. The ta — Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Nicole Ottawa & Oliver Meckes / Eye of Science / Science Source Images Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Is this an alien? Probably not, but of all the animals on Earth, the tardigrade might be the best candidate.”

— APOD editors, May 21, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: May 21, 2023
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Nicole Ottawa & Oliver Meckes / Eye of Science / Science Source Images
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 194 words

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, May 21, 2023 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2023-may-21-tardigrade-in-moss

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.