Astronomy Picture of the Day ·
The Conjunction of Comet R3 PanSTARRS and the Orion Nebula
The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 12, 2026 is “The Conjunction of Comet R3 PanSTARRS and the Orion Nebula,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Julien De Winter , Sascha Ebeler Text: Keighley Rockcliffe ( NASA GSFC , UMBC CSST , CRESST II )). The original explanation runs about 185 words.
From the explanation
“Today’s composite image features something old , something new, something borrowed, and something blue! Comet R3 PanSTARRS , streaking across the right of the image, likely originated from the Oort Cloud , meaning it is an old Solar System relic from billions of years ago.”
— APOD editors, May 12, 2026
Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov
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At a glance
- Date
- May 12, 2026
- Type
- Image
- Credit
- Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Julien De Winter , Sascha Ebeler Text: Keighley Rockcliffe ( NASA GSFC , UMBC CSST , CRESST II )
- Copyright
- Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
- Explanation length
- About 185 words