Astronomy Picture of the Day · Topic

Galaxies

2,472 entries from June 21, 1995 to October 25, 2026. Entries that mention galaxies.

How entries are matched: the topic word appears in the title, or at least twice in the explanation. This is an automatic word match, so a few entries may only mention the topic in passing.

Most recent

The picture shows a computer simulation of the matter distribution in our universe with dark matter shown in a dark color on a light background. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. October 25, 2026

Dark Matter in a Simulated Universe

Tom Abel & Ralf Kaehler (KIPAC , SLAC), AMNHThe Andromeda galaxy above rolling hills. October 23, 2026

Andromeda in Southern Spring

Lucy Yunxi HuTreble Clef: Unusual X-ray Hot Radio Source October 19, 2026

Treble Clef: Unusual X-ray Hot Radio Source

X-ray: NASA/CXC/INAF-IRA/A. Botteon et al.; Infrared: UKIDSS–GPS; Radio: ASTRONLOFAR; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. WolkThe Milky Way galaxy rises from the horizon and curves upward in the sky. In the foreground, a rock pathway is seen that culminates in a staircase that ends abruptly. The Milky Way band appears to be a continuation of the staircase. Please October 13, 2026

Desert Stairway to Heaven

Julien LootenA starfield has an bright blobby mess in middle. Running vertically through the very middle is a dark streak. A diagonal ring of brightness surrounds the central blob. October 5, 2026

M104: The Sombrero Galaxy's Tidal Streams

Engelbert VollmerA spiral galaxy viewed face-on with an extended spiral arm. September 30, 2026

Arp 78: Peculiar Galaxy in Aries

Robert EderA single color covers the image: that similar to a latte cup of coffee. It is noted in text that apod.nasa.gov is moving to science.nasa.gov/apod. September 28, 2026

Cosmic Latte: The Average Color of the Universe

Karl Glazebrook & Ivan Baldry (JHU)Before image of the Andromeda galaxy with streaks marring the field of view. September 27, 2026

Andromeda Before Photoshop

Kees SchererA dense globular cluster of stars. September 25, 2026

Globular Cluster Omega Centauri

Javier O. Cadenas ParraImage of a face-on spiral galaxy. September 18, 2026

Messier 33: The Triangulum Galaxy

George ChatzifrantzisA colorful nebula resembles an open treasure chest on a field of stars September 17, 2026

A Treasure Chest in the Carina Nebula

ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, M. Reiter; Acknowledgement: M. H. ÖzsaraçHubble and JWST image of M64. A massive spiral galaxy glows with a yellow core, surrounded by arms full of orange-brown dust and pink and blue patches of star formation. Framed by a haze of dark dust, the galaxy shines against black space d September 16, 2026

Webb's View of M64

NASA, CSA, ESA, F. Belfiore (ESO), J. Lee (STScI), A. Leroy (OSU), and D. Thilker (JHU); Processing: G. Kober (NASA/Catholic University)

Thumbnails are loaded from their original addresses. Images remain the property of the credited creators.

2026 (62)

2025 (88)

2024 (82)

2023 (85)

2022 (87)

2021 (86)

2020 (73)

2019 (86)

2018 (72)

2017 (72)

2016 (88)

2015 (81)

2014 (72)

2013 (78)

2012 (71)

2011 (77)

2010 (83)

2009 (80)

2008 (89)

2007 (67)

2006 (79)

2005 (68)

2004 (71)

2003 (78)

2002 (83)

2001 (72)

2000 (74)

1999 (85)

1998 (82)

1997 (75)

1996 (83)

1995 (43)

Other topics

The Moon (1,606)The Sun (1,882)Venus (336)Mars (734)Jupiter (543)Saturn (588)The Milky Way (1,147)Andromeda Galaxy (168)Orion (409)Nebulae (2,116)Star clusters (784)Supernovae (399)Black holes (236)Exoplanets (29)Eclipses (472)Auroras (308)Comets (762)Meteors (444)Asteroids (235)Space stations (250)Apollo program (190)Hubble Space Telescope (617)James Webb Space Telescope (81)

Browse the archive by year →

Source

The images and explanations belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.