Astronomy Picture of the Day · January 7, 2024

The Cat's Eye Nebula in Optical and X-ray

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 7, 2024 is “The Cat's Eye Nebula in Optical and X-ray,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit: NASA , ESA , Hubble Legacy Archive ; Chandra X-ray Obs. ; Processing & Copyright: Rudy Pohl). The original explanation runs about 161 words.

An image of the Cat's Eye Nebula shows an unsually shaped gas structure glowing in purple with a bright orange center. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. — Credit: Image Credit: NASA , ESA , Hubble Legacy Archive ; Chandra X-ray Obs. ; Processing & Copyright: Rudy Pohl Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“To some it looks like a cat’s eye. To others, perhaps like a giant cosmic conch shell .”

— APOD editors, January 7, 2024

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: January 7, 2024
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit: NASA , ESA , Hubble Legacy Archive ; Chandra X-ray Obs. ; Processing & Copyright: Rudy Pohl
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 161 words