The year 2016 is coming to an end and it’s time that we take a step back and look back up upon the things that we’ve achieved, the mountains that we’ve conquered and the lessons that we’ve learnt. 2016 has been pretty amazing as far as the space science is concerned. From New Horizons to Juno and from Space X to Rosetta, the year saw the space-tech touching new heights.
True, we encountered some failures along the way, and there were some teary-eyed moments too, but the year brought in some good memories that will keep us inspired for a very long time. But before we welcome the year 2017, it’s time to celebrate the year 2016 for all its grace and beauty. And what better way to do that except take a look at the images that remind us of the ‘great beyond’.
So, let’s celebrate 2016 with these beautiful images captured by NASA:
January
California Nebula (Photo: NASA)
What looks like a painting is the glow of the California Nebula. The star lies within the Milky Way and is located 1,500 light-years from the sun.
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February
Valentine’s Heart (Photo: NASA)
Captured on Valentine’s day this year is a heart-shaped cloud that was photographed above Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. What gives the cloud its red colour is the Sun rising off the frame to the right.
March
Great Nebula Carina (Photo: NASA)
If you have to look for inspiration, look at the stars. Known as the Great Nebula in Carina, this nebula is one of the brightest parts of Milky Way. It spans over 300 light years and lies about 7,500 light-years away in the constellation of Carina.
April
Angel Nebula (Photo: NASA)
Beauty in blue, dubbed as the Angel Nebula, is located nearly 300 light-years above the plane of our galaxy. This interstellar view is so fetch!
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May
Nebula in Orion (Photo: NASA)
The Great Nebula in Orion is a colorful place. It spans about 40 light years and is located about 1500 light years from our sun.
June
Pelican Nebula (Photo: NASA)
Pelican Nebula looks like a piece of art. The two bright nebulae are located about 1,500 light-years away and can be seen with binoculars from a dark location.
July
Orion Nebula (Photo: NASA)
One word that describes Orion Nebula the best is– spectacular. Located at a distance of 1,300 light years is a picturesque collection of bright stars and bright glowing gas.
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August
Perseid meteor (Photo: NASA)
What’s better than a starry night? A meteor shower! The 2016 Perseid meteor shower set the night alive on the night of August 11/12. The view was particularly staggering in the Yosemite Valley and left the onlookers star-struck!
September
Lynds Dark Nebula (Photo: NASA)
The space is like a piece of art by the creator. And located about 1,000 light-years away is one such spectacular view. Stars in the Lynds Dark Nebula reveal energetic shocks associated with newborn stars.
October
Hydrogen emissions, (Photo: NASA)
One element present in abundance in the universe is Hydrogen. The above image features the all-sky map of hydrogen emission in the shades of blue and green. It’s like the space is having its own fashion show!
November
Heart and Soul Nebulas (Photo: NASA)
Love lies in the heart of the Universe and these Heart and Soul Nebulas reveal how reminiscent of a classical heart can be extra-ordinary!
December
Constellation Unicorn (Photo: NASA)
If you thought that unicorns exist only in fairy-tales, it’s time that you reconsider you views, for constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn is a stunning will literally steal your breathe away.
