Spothubble - Blog Posts

What caused this outburst of this star named V838 Mon? For reasons unknown, this star’s outer surface suddenly greatly expanded with the result that it became the brightest star in the entire Milky Way Galaxy in January 2002. Then, just as suddenly, it faded. A stellar flash like this had never been seen before – supernovas and novas expel matter out into space.

Although the V838 Mon flash appears to expel material into space, what is seen in the above GIF from the Hubble Space Telescope is actually an outwardly moving light echo of the bright flash.

In a light echo, light from the flash is reflected by successively more distant rings in the complex array of ambient interstellar dust that already surrounded the star. V838 Mon lies about 20,000 light years away toward the constellation of the unicorn (Monoceros), while the light echo above spans about six light years in diameter.

Credit: NASA, ESA

To discover more, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_2472.html

Can You #SpotHubble?

Hey Tumblr! We’re Inviting You to #SpotHubble

Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has sent back mind-blowing images that not only changed our understanding of our universe, but also changed where we see our universe.

Hubble is more than a science instrument; it’s a cultural phenomenon! Take a moment to think about where you’ve seen the Hubble Space Telescope or Hubble images in your daily life. 

Maybe you walk by a mural inspired by Hubble images everyday on your way to work. 

Perhaps you’ve even created art based on Hubble images.

We want to see the Hubble impact in your life! Share your photos with us on Instagram, Twitter, Flickr and Facebook. If a #SpotHubble image catches our eye, we may share your post on our NASA Hubble social media accounts.

Here’s how to #SpotHubble!

There are four social media platforms that you can use to submit your work:

Flickr: Submit your photos to the Spot Hubble Flickr Group

Instagram: Use the Instagram app to upload your photo, and in the description include #SpotHubble and #NASAGoddard

Twitter: Share your image on Twitter and include #SpotHubble in the tweet

Facebook: Share your image on Facebook and include #SpotHubble in the post

Please note, submissions are subject to certain terms and conditions.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com