Colliding galaxies are common in galaxy evolution. Due to the extremely tenuous distribution of matter in galaxies, these are not collisions in the normal sense of the word, but rather gravitational interaction. Above, two antenna galaxies are colliding and dark dust pillars mark massive molecular clouds are being compressed during the galactic encounter, causing the rapid birth of millions of stars. Continue reading to see more.
Since 1972, NASA’s Landsat satellites have continuously acquired space-based images of the Earth’s land surface, coastal shallows, and coral reefs. Each of these satellite cross every point on the Earth at nearly the same time once every 16 or 18 days, depending on its altitude. Continue reading to see more.
Photo credit: Andrew Osokin
Just about anyone who lives in a cold climate or has been to the mountains have probably come across snowflakes, but thanks to photographer Andrew Osokin, here’s a fascinating macro look at the ice crystals. They begin as snow crystals which develop when microscopic supercooled cloud droplets freeze. Continue reading to see more.
A spiral galaxy essentially consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters. Above, we have NGC 1309, which spans about 30,000 light-years, making it about one third the size of our larger Milky Way galaxy. Continue reading to see more.
Capturing a surfer riding a wave is tough enough, much less one from the perfect angle. Fortunately, this sports photographer was fortunate to be in the water when a wave was coming in. We’ve rounded up eighteen more images snapped at the perfect moment. Continue reading to see them all.
Believe it or not, the amazing pictures of the sun that you see above were snapped by amateur astronomer Alan Friedman in his own backyard, using a telescope and webcam. That’s right, “using special filters attached to his camera, Friedman captures some of the most lovely details of the Sun’s roiling surface.” Continue reading to see more.
Photo credit: Simon Smith
The image above of a “blue moon” (second full moon in a month) was captured by Simon Smith. It was “taken just hours before the exact full phase in delightfully clear skies over Nottingham, UK, it features eye-catching bright rays extending from the prominent young crater Tycho in the Moon’s southern hemisphere.” Continue reading to see more.
Photo credit: Yuichi Takasaka
An aurora is basically a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude (Arctic and Antarctic) regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere (thermosphere). The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and, on Earth, are directed by the Earth’s magnetic field into the atmosphere. Continue reading to see seven more mind-blowing pictures.
Not a day goes by without photographers being stuck in picture perfect moments, and these perfectly timed images prove it. Starting with two kittens who were apparently playing hide and seek before one of theme was caught off guard. Continue reading to see more.
To get the perfect shot, it’s not unusual to see photographers get in awkward positions, but sometimes, things can get a bit too weird. We’ve rounded up twenty-four funny and strange photography positions for your viewing enjoyment. Continue reading to see more.