Desktop Images | Universe Today

Written by Fraser Cain

Here are some space and astronomy pictures that would make some great desktop images. Just click on the image that you want to enlarge. Then right-click on the image and choose "Set as Desktop Background".

Within the Realm of a Dying Sun

This is an artist's impression of a white dwarf star surrounded by the shredded remains of an asteroid belt. When a star dies, changes the orbits of its planets and asteroids; collisions are inevitable. This is what was recently detected by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope in another star system.

Hubble Finds Hidden Exoplanet in Archival Data

Here's an artist's impression of a planet that was "discovered" by looking through old data gathered by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Another Vision of the Universe

This is a photo of the grand spiral galaxy M101, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. This was actually part of a larger composite image, where the same galaxy was seen in visible light, as well as X-ray (from Chandra) and infrared (from Spitzer).

Preparing for Another World

This is a picture of a rover that might one day cruise around on the surface of the Moon or Mars. But for now, it's in the Arizona desert, testing out the technologies that might get used in space some day.

Endeavour Lifts Off!

Here's a picture of the space shuttle Endeavour blasting off at night; its powerful rocket exhaust lights up the surroundings like a second moon. In the foreground is the giant countdown clock that marks the time until the shuttle launches.

We've written many stories for Universe Today with pictures that would make excellent desktop images. Here's a cool parade of moons going across the front of Saturn, and here's a picture of a meteor impacting Mars.

If you'd like more amazing photographs, the best place to look is NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day. I also recommend you check out the website for the Hubble Space Telescope.

We've recorded many episodes of Astronomy Cast, including one about Hubble. Check it out, Episode 88: The Hubble Space Telescope.

Filed under: Astronomy