Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Mystic Mountain Monster being Destroyed

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 26, 2026 is “Mystic Mountain Monster being Destroyed,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: Hubble , NASA , ESA ; Processing & License: Judy Schmidt. The original explanation runs about 160 words.

The featured image shows a large pillar of dust and gas in the Carina Nebula. The pillar has many humps and several jets. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit: Hubble , NASA , ESA ; Processing & License: Judy Schmidt Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Inside the head of this interstellar monster is a star that is slowly destroying it. The huge monster, actually an inanimate series of pillars of gas and dust, measures light years in length.”

— APOD editors, April 26, 2026

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
April 26, 2026
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: Hubble , NASA , ESA ; Processing & License: Judy Schmidt
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 160 words

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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.