Spooky Astronomy

• By Maggie Masetti
• October 31, 2010
• 1 Comment

Sometimes clouds and dust can take on recognizable shape – like, a horse’s head. But astronomical imagery can be more…well…sinister in appearance. Which makes these perfect for Halloween! Thanks to our friend @NASAUniverseEDU for compiling these.

Credit:A. Fabian (IoA Cambridge) et al., NASA

This screaming skull above is actually a Chandra image of the Perseus Cluster of galaxies in x-rays.

The Witch Head Nebula:

Credit: NASA/STScI Digitized Sky Survey/Noel Carboni

How about a great glowing eye in the sky? (Also a planetary nebula…)

Credit: HST/NASA/ESA

Extrasolar planetary system, or Eye of Sauron?

Credit: NASA, ESA, and P. Kalas (University of California, Berkeley)

You’re not afraid of (space) ghosts, right? This is nebula SH2 136.

Credit: Adam Block, NOAO, AURA, NSF

When you’re done with trick-or-treating, or maybe while you’re out and about, be sure to look up at the night sky! It looks like it will be beautiful!