#Astrophotography

[theofficialastronomy101]

Clearest Image ever taken of Mars’ North Pole. Yes that’s water ice.

[spacewonder19]

SH2-240 Spaghetti Nebula © Hubble

[tired-pidgeon]

Can you imagine the flex of saying that you’ve seen the Grand Canyon, but only from space?

Astronaut tweets

[quiltofstars]

Melotte 15, the open cluster at the center of the Heart Nebula (Sh2-190) // Anton Grishin

[spacevoyagerx]

Veil Nebula

The Veil Nebula is a stunning supernova remnant located in the constellation Cygnus, often referred to as the "Wings of the Swan" .

It is approximately 1,500 light-years away from Earth and spans about 110 light-years across.

The nebula is composed of ionized gas and dust, and it is known for its intricate and delicate filaments, which are the remnants of a massive star that exploded around 8,000 years ago.

The Veil Nebula is divided into several parts, with the most prominent sections being the Eastern Veil (NGC 6992) and the Western Veil (NGC 6960).

Credits: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

[world-beauty]

The Galactic Center in Stars, Gas, and Magnetism

Credits: NASA, CXC, UMass, Q.D. Wang, NRF, SARAO, MeerKAT

[cosmicexplorersblog]

Clearest image of Phobos ever taken, Moon of Mars

[mysticstronomy]

WHAT IS OUR UNIVERSE SURROUNDED BY??

Blog#464

Saturday, December 21st, 2024

Welcome back,

The question of whether anything exists beyond the universe is one that stretches the limits of human comprehension and current scientific understanding. It touches upon the very nature of the cosmos, the origins of everything, and the limits of physical reality. The universe, by definition, encompasses all of space and time, including all forms of energy, matter, and the physical laws that govern them. However, the inquiry into what, if anything, lies beyond the universe delves into both the realms of cosmology and philosophy.

From a cosmological standpoint, the question is inherently linked to the nature and shape of the universe. Current models based on the theory of general relativity and observations of the cosmic microwave background suggest that the universe is flat and infinite. In an infinite universe, there is no “beyond,” as space extends endlessly. However, if the universe is finite but unbounded, like the surface of a sphere, one could still not step “outside” it, as it curves back onto itself.

The concept of the observable universe further complicates this question. The observable universe is limited by the speed of light; we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang, approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Beyond this observable limit lies more universe that we cannot see. The extent of the universe beyond our observational limits remains a subject of scientific speculation and exploration.

One of the most intriguing ideas in modern physics is the multiverse theory, which posits that our universe may be just one of many universes within a larger multiverse. Each universe within the multiverse could have its own set of physical laws, constants, and properties.

The concept of a multiverse arises from various theoretical frameworks, including inflationary cosmology and string theory. If the multiverse exists, then “beyond” our universe could mean neighboring universes with potentially different dimensions and physical realities. However, the multiverse theory remains highly speculative and, by its very nature, may be beyond the reach of direct empirical observation.

Philosophically, the question of what lies beyond the universe touches upon the nature of existence, the concept of infinity, and the origins of everything.

Different philosophical traditions have contemplated the cosmos’s nature, often arriving at varying conclusions about the universe and its boundaries. Theological perspectives may posit the existence of spiritual realms or deities existing outside the physical confines of the universe, adding another layer to the discourse on what “beyond” might entail.

The human quest to understand the universe is bounded by the limitations of our senses, technology, and the conceptual frameworks we use to make sense of the cosmos.

Our understanding of the universe has expanded dramatically over the centuries, yet each answer brings new questions. The inquiry into what lies beyond the universe challenges the very limits of scientific inquiry and human imagination.

In conclusion, the question of whether anything exists beyond the universe remains one of the most profound and speculative in science and philosophy. It challenges our understanding of the cosmos, the nature of reality, and the limits of human comprehension. Whether through the lens of cosmology, the theoretical frameworks of physics, or philosophical contemplation, the exploration of what lies beyond the universe continues to captivate and intrigue, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and imagination.

Originally published on https://medium.com/

COMING UP!!

(Wednesday, December 25th, 2024)

"IS THERE WATER IN SPACE??"

[livingforstars]

Sun and Winter Solstice 1996 - December 21st, 1996.

"December 21st was the date of the winter solstice in 1996. After steadily sinking in northern hemisphere skies, the Sun reached its lowest declination - marking the first day of northern winter. The Earth is actually closer to the Sun during this season, a fact not usually appreciated by those who dwell on the planet's northern half. On December 29th, 1996, the EIT camera onboard the SOHO spacecraft recorded this image of the Sun in the light of highly ionised iron atoms. This extreme ultraviolet picture emphasizes magnetic field lines and active regions in the hot plasma above the solar surface."

[without-ado]

Total Solar Eclipse l April 2024 l U.S. & Canada

Cr. Deran Hall l Rami Ammoun(236) l GabeWasylko l REUTERS l KendallRust l Joshua Intini l Alfredo Juárez l KuzcoKhanda

[theofficialastronomy101]

IC 1295

[introvertathome]

The beauty of the universe never ceases to amaze me

The Helix Nebula © 1/2/3/4

[maureen2musings]

"This is nature- not AI. Lightning sprites in Oklahoma. Lightning sprites are large, colorful electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorm clouds. Extremely difficult to see and photograph because of their short duration and faintness, only about a millisecond to capture."

paulmsmithphotography

[quiltofstars]

The Triangulum Galaxy (M33) and its bright nebulae // Francisco Javier Pérez Olvera

[vangoghcore]

by babaktafreshi