As days go on, looking up at the sky just to appreciate it is often ignored. The busier times of the year do not allow for much stargazing during each day. Because of this, NASA and Michigan Technological University have begun a website that captures a view into what space holds throughout the day. The website captures the Astronomy Picture of the Day and allows all people to see what image was taken any day. — https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/

It was started on June 16th, 1995. From now, it has been 26 years. 

“Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer,” the website states. 

Earth is surrounded by countless celestial bodies and other planets. The space that the world is in can truly be described as endless. Despite constant movement within the universe, the pictures taken by the APOD website allow for a single snippet of what happens around what seems to be a total abyss. 

“Discover the cosmos!” the site says.

Its purpose is to encourage anyone and everyone all over the world to truly explore what the universe has to offer. 

The images are not even the best part! Even as the beautiful pictures seem to take up most of the spotlight, the meaningful explanations by astronomers are very interesting to read through as well. 

Gallery • 3 Photos

Photo Courtesy of: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team

Astrology Picture of the Day on the day this article is being written

Although the site has been active since 1995, activity on the website has picked up tremendously since 2012. It has also attracted many due to the recent attention astronomy has picked up. The site is commonly used for people to see what the sky looked like when they were born. Other important dates are found on the site as needed. Anniversaries, holidays, and new beginnings can be marked by the many pictures on the website. The alluring intrigue that astronomy has is completely captivating.

Finding the astronomy picture of the day from a birthday is magical. Knowing that the sky looked like that even during just a millisecond of the day keeps many in wonder. 

“I think it’s really cool to be able to see what was happening in the sky on your birthday,” Violet Flanagan, junior, tells. “I guess it makes people feel special to know that something beautiful was happening the day they were born.”

The sentiment that each frame holds for any person at all is enchanting. Keeping up with the stunning views that space offers is easier than ever with the website and being able to read even the slightest description of what is happening is what keeps the world in touch.