NASA astronaut Don Pettit, at 69 years old, has captured a remarkable view of two neighboring galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), while aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
These galaxies, located 160,000 and 200,000 light-years away respectively, are among the closest companions of our Milky Way and are visible only from the Southern Hemisphere or from the vantage of space.
Astronaut Captures Dwarf Galaxies in Stunning Long-Exposure Photo
According to The MirrorUS, the breathtaking long-exposure image was taken from the window of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS and was shared by NASA on December 2, 2024.
The image showcases the two irregularly shaped galaxies glowing against the dark expanse of space, with the Milky Way adding to the celestial backdrop.
These snapshots are part of a series of space photography that Pettit, a veteran astronaut on his fourth spaceflight, has been sharing on X, formerly Twitter.
The LMC and SMC are classified as irregular satellite galaxies of the Milky Way, containing billions of stars each. Their distorted shapes have been sculpted by gravitational interactions with the Milky Way and each other.
These galaxies have long intrigued astronomers and are home to some of the universe's most extraordinary phenomena. For instance, the Large Magellanic Cloud was the site of the 1987 supernova, the last such explosion observable with the naked eye.
In addition to its historical significance, the LMC recently hosted another groundbreaking discovery.
Astronomers captured the first detailed image of WOH G64, a massive star located in this galaxy. At 1,500 times the Sun's width, this star is nearing the end of its life and is expected to explode in a spectacular supernova.
Read more: Cosmic Clues: Astronomers Uncover Birth Sites of the Universe's Largest Elliptical Galaxies
Magellanic Clouds Shine in International Space Station
Pettit's photograph not only highlights the Magellanic Clouds but also underscores the unique perspective offered by astronauts aboard the ISS.
The images serve as a visual bridge between Earth and the broader cosmos, sparking curiosity about the vast universe beyond our galaxy.
Pettit, who launched to the ISS in September 2024 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, has become known for his stunning long-exposure photography during his time in orbit, LiveScience said.
Other images shared include views of Starlink satellites, atmospheric airglow, and nighttime cityscapes like the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
The Magellanic Clouds, best seen from Earth between December and April, continue to captivate stargazers and scientists alike. Pettit's work ensures that these cosmic wonders are accessible to people worldwide, inspiring further exploration of the universe.
