Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

September 29, 1996

The X-Ray Moon
Credit:
DARA, ESA, MPE, NASA, J.H.M.M. Schmitt

Explanation: This X-Ray image of the Moon was made by the orbiting Roentgen Observatory Satellite (ROSAT) in 1990. It shows three distinct regions: a bright X-ray sky, a bright part of the Moon, and a relatively dark part of the Moon. The bright X-ray sky is due to the diffuse cosmic X-ray background. The bright lunar crescent shines because it reflects X-rays emitted by the Sun. The dark lunar face is in shadow and so stands stands out from the relatively bright background - but, surprisingly it is not completely dark! Where do those X-rays from? They are currently thought to result from energetic particles from the solar wind bombarding the lunar surface.

Tomorrow's picture: Exploring The Universe With IUE 1978-1996


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