APOD 3.04 NGC 1313

Hubble shows off its ability to resolve with the Advanced Camera for Surveys. This image spans 10,000 light years. The ACS on the Hubble is able to distinguish between individual stars. This unique ability helps to unravel the fate of our own Galaxy. The ability to see the stars in the nebulae and clusters helps us to understand how clusters form in our own Galaxy.

3.03 Kepler's Supernova

Kepler's supernova appeared in Oct. 1604, lighting up the sky from it's location in Ophiucius. It was studied by Johannes Kepler without the aid of a telescope. This is the remnant of the supernova. Modern astronomers wanted to know what kind of star made this supernova, so recent surveys of the remnant across the EM spectrum has shown it to have been a type Ia supernova, made by a white dwarf. The remnant is 13,000 light years away, and represents the most recent supernova in the Milky Way.

APOD 3.01 Comet McNaught

Coment McNaught, named after its discoverer R. H. McNaught, brightened in the sky recently. It is magnitude 2, which is bright enough for naked-eye observation. By Jan. 11th, SOHO will be able to have a web-based view of Comet McNaught as it speeds to its perihelion. After it rounds the Sun, it may even become brighter than it was.

Soon, it will be lost in the glare of the Sun. It'll emerge from behind the Sun.