Images from the NASA Herschel Space Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/rss/images.xml http://herschel.caltech.edu/template/nhsc-icon.png Several telescopes have teamed up to discover a rare and massive merging of two galaxies that took place when the universe was just 3 billion years old. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-017a Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 PST nhsc2013-017a This artist's concept illustrates the frenzied activity at the core of our Milky Way galaxy. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-016a nhsc2013-016a Tue, 07 May 2013 10:30:00 PST This map shows the distribution of water in the stratosphere of Jupiter as measured with the Herschel space observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-014a nhsc2013-014a Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:00 PST This is a composite photo, assembled from separate images of Jupiter and comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, as imaged by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope in 1994. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-014b nhsc2013-014b Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:00 PST Stunning new view from ESA’s Herschel space observatory of the iconic Horsehead Nebula in the context of its surroundings. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-013a nhsc2013-013a Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PST Stunning new view from ESA’s Herschel space observatory of the iconic Horsehead Nebula in the context of its surroundings. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-013b nhsc2013-013b Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PST This artist's impression shows the "starburst" galaxy HFLS3. The galaxy appears as little more than a faint, red smudge in images from the Herschel space observatory. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-012a nhsc2013-012a Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 PST Kappa Coronae Borealis and its dust disk. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-011a nhsc2013-011a Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:00 PST W3 is an enormous stellar nursery about 6,200 light-years away in the Perseus Arm, one of the Milky Way galaxy's main spiral arms, which hosts both low- and high-mass star formation. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-010a nhsc2013-010a Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:30:00 PST Dense envelopes of gas and dust surround the fledging stars known as protostars, making their detection difficult until now. The discovery gives scientists a window into the earliest and least understood phases of star formation. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-009a nhsc2013-009a Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:00:00 PST This artistís impression of Herschel is set against an image captured by the observatory, showing baby stars forming in the Rosette nebula. Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-008a nhsc2013-008a Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:45:00 PST One of the great curiosities in solar science is that our Sun’s outer atmosphere – the corona – is heated to millions of degrees when its visible surface is ‘only’ about 6000 degrees. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-007a nhsc2013-007a Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:00:00 PST This graph shows how the average rate of star formation for three different samples of galaxies varies as a function of the power of the active galactic nuclei hosted at their centers. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-006b nhsc2013-006b Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:00:00 PST This illustration shows a galaxy in the early Universe that is releasing material via two symmetric outflows triggered by the supermassive black hole hosted at its center. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-006a nhsc2013-006a Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:00:00 PST This artist's concept illustrates the planet-forming disk around a young star called TW Hydrae, located about 175 light-years away in the Hydra, or Sea Serpent, constellation. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-005b nhsc2013-005b Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 PST This artist's illustration shows a planetary disk that weighs the equivalent of 50 Jupiter-mass planets. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-005a nhsc2013-005a Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 PST In this new view of the Andromeda galaxy from the Herschel space observatory, cool lanes of forming stars are revealed in the finest detail yet. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-004b nhsc2013-004b Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST The ring-like swirls of dust filling the Andromeda galaxy stand out colorfully in this new image from the Herschel Space Observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-004a nhsc2013-004a Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST The red supergiant star Betelgeuse is seen here in a new view from the Herschel Space Observatory, a European Space Agency mission with important NASA participation. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-003a nhsc2013-003a Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:00 PST Herschel Space Observatory captured asteroid Apophis in its field of view during the approach to Earth on 5/6 January 2013. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-002a nhsc2013-002a Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:30:00 PST Astronomers have discovered what appears to be a large asteroid belt around the bright star Vega, as illustrated here at left in brown. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-001b nhsc2013-001b Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST This artist's concept illustrates an asteroid belt around the bright star Vega. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2013-001a nhsc2013-001a Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST Herschel has produced an intricate view of the remains of a star that died in a stellar explosion a millennium ago. It has provided further proof that the interstellar dust which lies throughout our Galaxy is created when massive stars reach the end of their lives. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-014a nhsc2012-014a Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:00:00 PST This artist's impression shows the orbits of planets and comets around the star 61 Vir, superimposed on a view from the Herschel Space Telescope. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-013a nhsc2012-013a Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:00:00 PST This image shows a three-color infrared view of the supernova remnant W44 and surrounding regions. It was taken by the European Space Agency's Herschel mission, which has important contributions from NASA. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-012b nhsc2012-012b Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 PST Supernova remnant W44 is the focus of this new image created by combining data from ESA's Herschel and XMM-Newton space observatories. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-012a nhsc2012-012a Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 PST This image of the Vela C Region demonstrates Herschel’s ability to trace both high- and low-mass star formation at a range of evolutionary stages, from cool filaments, pre-stellar cores and protostars to more evolved regions containing dust that has been gently heated by hot stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-010a nhsc2012-010a Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:00:00 PST The Herschel Space Observatory has discovered a giant, galaxy-packed filament ablaze with billions of new stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-009a nhsc2012-009a Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 PST This new view of the Cygnus-X star-formation region by Herschel highlights chaotic networks of dust and gas that point to sites of massive star formation. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-008a nhsc2012-008a Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 PST Supermassive black holes are believed to reside in the hearts of all large galaxies. When gas falls upon these monsters, the materials are accelerated and heated around the black hole, releasing great torrents of energy. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-007a nhsc2012-007a Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 PST Infrared view of the Fomalhaut dust disk taken by the Herschel Space Observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-006a nhsc2012-006a Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:30:00 PST This Herschel Space Observatory image of Centaurus A combines long-wavelength infrared data from its Photoconductor Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) taken at 100 microns, and its Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) instruments at 250, 350 and 500 microns. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-005b nhsc2012-005b Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 PST Inner structural features seen in this image are helping scientists to understand the mechanisms and interactions within the galaxy, as are the jets seen extending over thousands of light years from the black hole believed to be at its heart. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-005a nhsc2012-005a Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 PST This new view of the Orion nebula highlights fledging stars hidden in the gas and clouds. It shows infrared observations taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Herschel mission, in which NASA plays an important role. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-003a nhsc2012-003a Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:30:00 PST This view of the Eagle nebula combines data from almost opposite ends of the electromagnetic spectrum. Herschel captured longer-wavelength, or far, infrared light, and the space telescope XMM-Newton imaged X-rays. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-002b nhsc2012-002b Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 PST This Herschel image of the Eagle nebula shows the self-emission of the intensely cold nebula's gas and dust as never seen before. Each color shows a different temperature of dust, from around 10 degrees above absolute zero for the red, up to around 40 Kelvin, or minus 388 degrees Fahrenheit, for the blue. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-002a nhsc2012-002a Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 PST Small Magellanic Cloud galaxy in infrared light, is one of the biggest satellite galaxies of our home galaxy, though it is still considered a dwarf galaxy compared to the big spiral of our Milky Way. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-001b nhsc2012-001b Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 PST Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy in infrared light, this nearby dwarf galaxy looks like a fiery, circular explosion. Rather than fire, however, those ribbons are actually giant ripples of dust spanning tens or hundreds of light-years. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2012-001a nhsc2012-001a Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 PST This artist's concept illustrates an icy planet-forming disk around a young star called TW Hydrae, located about 175 light-years away in the Hydra, or Sea Serpent, constellation. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-018b nhsc2011-018b Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:50:00 PST Using the Herschel Space Observatory, astronomers have detected the emission from cold water vapor in the planet-forming disk around the young star TW Hydrae. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-018a nhsc2011-018a Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:50:00 PST New measurements from the Herschel Space Observatory have discovered water with the same chemical signature as our oceans in a comet called Hartley 2. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-017a nhsc2011-017b Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST Using the Herschel Space Observatory, astronomers have discovered that comet Hartley 2 possesses a ratio of "heavy water" to light, or normal, water that matches what's found in Earth's oceans. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-017a nhsc2011-017a Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST Cassini images of Saturn's moon Enceladus backlit by the sun show the fountain-like sources of the fine spray of material that towers over the south polar region. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-016a nhsc2011-016a Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 PST In this artist's conception, a galaxy accretes mass from rapid, narrow streams of cold gas. These filaments provide the galaxy with continuous flows of raw material to feed its star-forming at a rather leisurely pace. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-015a nhsc2011-015a Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:15:00 PST Herschel found oxygen molecules in a dense patch of gas and dust adjacent to star-forming regions in the Orion nebula. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-014a nhsc2011-014a Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 PST The squiggly lines, or spectra, reveal the signatures of oxygen molecules, detected in the Orion nebula by the Hershel Space Observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-014b nhsc2011-014b Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 PST In a strange twist of science, astronomers using the Herschel Space Observatory have discovered that a suspected ring at the center of our galaxy is warped for reasons they cannot explain. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-013a nhsc2011-013a Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST In a strange twist of science, astronomers using the Herschel Space Observatory have discovered that a suspected ring at the center of our galaxy is warped for reasons they cannot explain. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-013a1 nhsc2011-013a1 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST This layout compares two pictures of a supernova remnant called SN 1987A -- the left image was taken by the Herschel Space Observatory, and the right is an enlarged view of the circled region at left, taken with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-012a nhsc2011-012a Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST This image shows filamentary structures surrounding the region of SN 1987A. These are from cold dust, as cold as 10 to 20 Kelvin, filling the space between the stars. The dust in the interstellar space may have originally formed in past explosions of other supernovae. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-012a1 nhsc2011-012a1 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST This plot shows energy emitted from a supernova remnant called SN 1987A. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-012b nhsc2011-012b Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST Infrared mash-up of RCW 120 using data from Herschel Space Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-009a nhsc2011-009a Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 PST Infrared mash-up of RCW 120 using data from Herschel Space Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-009b nhsc2011-009b Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 PST An artist’s impression showing a galaxy with a molecular outflow. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-006a nhsc2011-006a Mon, 09 May 2011 10:00:00 PST Dense filaments of gas in the IC5146 interstellar cloud can be seen clearly in this image taken in infrared light by the Herschel space observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-004a nhsc2011-004a Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:00:00 PST A region of the sky called the "Lockman Hole", located in the constellation of Ursa Major, is one of the areas surveyed in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-003a nhsc2011-003a Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:00:00 PST This mosaic of the Andromeda spiral galaxy highlights explosive stars in its interior, and cooler, dusty stars forming in its many rings. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-001a nhsc2011-001a Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:00:00 PST This image of the Andromeda spiral galaxy highlights explosive stars in its interior, and cooler, dusty stars forming in its many rings. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-001b nhsc2011-001b Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:00:00 PST This image of the Andromeda spiral galaxy highlights explosive stars in its interior, and cooler, dusty stars forming in its many rings. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2011-001c nhsc2011-001c Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:00:00 PST This diagram illustrates a cosmic phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, in which a galaxy magnifies a second, more distant galaxy, making it appear brighter and easier to study. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-012a nhsc2010-012a Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 PST This image composite shows a warped and magnified view of a galaxy discovered by the Herschel Space Observatory, one of five such galaxies uncovered by the infrared telescope. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-012b nhsc2010-012b Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 PST IRC+10216, also known as CW Leonis -- a star rich in carbon where astronomers were surprised to find water. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-011a nhsc2010-011a Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 PST Thousands of galaxies crowd into this Herschel image of the distant Universe. Each dot is an entire galaxy containing billions of stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-008a nhsc2010-008a Wed, 26 May 2010 17:30:00 PST The dark hole seen in the green cloud at the top of this image was likely carved out by multiple jets and blasts of radiation. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-006a nhsc2010-006a Tue, 11 May 2010 10:30:00 PST The dark hole seen in the green cloud at the top of this image was likely carved out by multiple jets and blasts of radiation. The inset image is an observation from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-006b nhsc2010-006b Tue, 11 May 2010 10:30:00 PST RCW 120 is a galactic bubble with a large surprise. How large? At least 8 times the mass of the Sun. Nestled in the shell around this large bubble is an embryonic star that looks set to turn into one of the brightest stars in the Galaxy. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-005a nhsc2010-005a Thu, 06 May 2010 11:30:00 PST This image is taken looking towards a region of the Galaxy in the Eagle constellation, closer to the Galactic centre than our Sun. Here, we see the outstanding end-products of the stellar assembly line. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-005b nhsc2010-005b Thu, 06 May 2010 11:30:00 PST This image, in the constellation of Vulpecula, shows an entire assembly line of newborn stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-005c nhsc2010-005c Thu, 06 May 2010 11:30:00 PST A picture of the first field observed in the H-ATLAS survey, made by combining the images made with the SPIRE camera at 250, 350 and 500 microns. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-005d nhsc2010-005d Thu, 06 May 2010 11:30:00 PST This image from the Herschel Space Observatory shows most the cloud associated with the Rosette nebula, a stellar nursery about 5,000 light-years from Earth in the Monoceros, or Unicorn, Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-004a Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:00:00 PST nhsc2010-004a The HIFI spectrum of the Orion Nebula, superimposed on a Spitzer image of Orion. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2010-003a Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:30:00 PST nhsc2010-003a Some 700 newly-forming stars are estimated to be crowded into these colourful filaments of dust. The complex is part of a mysterious ring of stars called Gould's Belt. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-022a Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-022a This is one of the early spectra obtained with the SPIRE fourier transform spectrometer on Herschel. Shown here is a portion of the SPIRE spectrum of VY Canis Majoris (VY CMa), a red supergiant star near the end of its life, which is ejecting huge quantities of gas and dust into interstellar space. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021a Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021a This is one of the early spectra obtained with the PACS integral field spectrometer on Herschel. Shown here (in red) is the spectrum of the red supergiant VY CMa between 50 and 210 micron. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021b Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021b This is one of the early spectra obtained with the SPIRE fourier transform spectrometer on Herschel. It depicts the spectrum of M82, the nearest starburst galaxy. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021c Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021c This is one of the early spectra obtained with the PACS integral field spectrometer on Herschel. Shown here are spectral images from a region (indicated by the pink box overlaid on the optical image) of the prototype nearby starburst galaxy, M82. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021d Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021d This is one of the early spectra obtained with the SPIRE fourier transform spectrometer on Herschel. Shown here is spectrum of Arp 220, a galaxy 250 million light years distant from Earth with very active star formation triggered by a merger between two large spiral galaxies (like the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy). Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021e Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021e This is one of the early spectra obtained with the PACS integral field spectrometer on Herschel. Shown here is a spectral scan of one of the emission lines detected by PACS in the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy (ULIRG) known as Markarian 231. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021f Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021f This is one of the early spectra obtained with the HIFI instrument on Herschel. In this spectrum of Comet Garradd the strong water line is clearly evident. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021g Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021g This is one of the early spectra obtained with the HIFI instrument on Herschel. This HIFI spectrum of a massive star-forming region reveals the fingerprints of a number of key organic molecules, such as formaldehyde (H2CO), carbon sulphide (CS), the formyl ion (HCO+), the ethynyl radical (C2H), and the methyladyne radical (CH). Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021h Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021h This is one of the early spectra obtained with the HIFI instrument on Herschel. In this spectrum of Comet Garradd the strong water line is clearly evident. Spectra http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-021i Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-021i Some of the coldest and darkest dust in space shines brightly in this infrared image from the Herschel Observatory, a European Space Agency mission with important participation from NASA. The image is a composite of light captured simultaneously by two of Herschel's three instruments -- the photodetector array camera and spectrometer, and its spectral and photometric imaging receiver. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-020a Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-020a This image from the Herschel Observatory reveals some of the coldest and darkest material in our galaxy. The choppy clouds of gas and dust pictured here are just starting to condense into new stars. The yellow filaments show the coldest dust dotted with the youngest embryonic stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-020b Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-020b This image from the Herschel Observatory reveals some of the coldest and darkest material in our galaxy. The choppy clouds of gas and dust are just starting to condense into new stars. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-020c Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:15:00 PST nhsc2009-020c On 24 June 2009, SPIRE recorded its first images during the in-orbit commissioning phase of the Herschel mission. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-017a Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 PST nhsc2009-017a Three-color far-infrared image of M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-016a Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:00 PST nhsc2009-016a Herschel carries the largest space telescope ever launched to date. Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-015a Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:00:00 PST nhsc2009-015a Ariane 5 V188 with Herschel and Planck on board rises above ESA's 15m ESTRACK tracking station at Kourou, French Guiana, just after liftoff at 15:12 CEST, 14 May 2009. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-013a Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-013a The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA ascends from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone during its morning liftoff with a dual-payload of Europe’s Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-012e Thu, 14 May 2009 07:30:00 PST nhsc2009-012e The second Ariane 5 flight of 2009 successfully placed Herschel and Planck on their way to deep space missions that will provide new insights into the origins and future of our universe. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-012d Thu, 14 May 2009 07:30:00 PST nhsc2009-012d Ariane 5 lifts off from the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport on its May 14 mission, which successfully lofted the Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-012c Thu, 14 May 2009 07:30:00 PST nhsc2009-012c Arianespace’s on-target May 14 mission with Herschel and Planck marked the 44th flight for the workhorse Ariane 5 launcher, as well as its 30th consecutive success. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-012b Thu, 14 May 2009 07:30:00 PST nhsc2009-012b Ariane 5 enclosing Herschel and Planck lift off, at Europe's Spaceport on 14 May 2009. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-012a Thu, 14 May 2009 07:30:00 PST nhsc2009-012a Ariane 5 enclosing Herschel and Planck in the Ariane launch area, at Europe's Spaceport on 13 May 2009. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-011b Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 PST nhsc2009-011b Ariane 5 enclosing Herschel and Planck at the Ariane launch area at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 13 May 2009. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-011a Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 PST nhsc2009-011a Though they'll be launching into space on the same rocket and will have similar orbits in space, Herschel and Planck are two very different missions that promise to dramatically change what we know about the history of the universe and our own Milky Way galaxy. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-010a Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:00 PST nhsc2009-010a This is an artist concept of the Herschel Space Observatory. Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-008a Tue, 05 May 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-008a Aerial view of the ZL-3 during the Ariane 5 V158B campaign. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-005a Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-005a The Herschel and Planck launch campaign team members present at the European spaceport in Kourou, gathered in front of the full-scale Ariane 5 launcher model for a group photo. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-004a Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-004a The Herschel spacecraft undergoes final preparations inside the Large European Acoustic Facility for the acoustic tests on 5 and 6 June 2008. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-002a Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-002a The Groningen Discovery Truck is filled with hands-on experiments dealing with infrared radiation, with a scale model of the Herschel spacecraft on display. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2009-001a Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:00:00 PST nhsc2009-001a The Herschel cryostat vacuum vessel, seen here in the ESTEC cleanroom, stores 2370 litres of superfluid liquid helium which is used to help cool the various elements of the detector plane. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001a Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001a Helium gas boils off from within the helium II tank, after which it flows through a system of pipes around the focal plane units of the three instruments to cool them down. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001b Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001b Top view of the Herschel focal plane, with the focal plane units (FPUs) of the three scientific instruments. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001c Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001c The Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001d Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001d The Photoconductor Array Camera and Spectrometer. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001e Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001e The Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared. Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2007-001f Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST nhsc2007-001f The Herschel primary mirror blank, mounted in its transport container, is loaded onto an Airbus A300-600ST "Beluga". Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2004-002a Tue, 06 Jul 2004 10:00:00 PST nhsc2004-002a Four of the twelve petals or segments that will make up the Herschel telescope primary mirror being assembled before being brazed into a single structure. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2004-001a Wed, 18 Feb 2004 10:00:00 PST nhsc2004-001a A photograph of a Herschel telescope sintered petal back side, taken at EADS on 3 May 2001. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2001-003a Mon, 15 Oct 2001 10:00:00 PST nhsc2001-003a A near-infrared NICMOS image of Saturn. Observation http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-003a Fri, 15 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-003a Artist's impression of Herschel (formerly called FIRST) and NGST located in the L2 point 1.5 million km from Earth Artist Concept http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-002a Thu, 14 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-002a Sir William Herschel discovered, in addition to the planet Uranus, many new nebulae, clusters of stars and binary stars. Photo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-001a Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-001a Herschel emblem on a white background. Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000j Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000j Herschel emblem on a black background. Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000i Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000i Herschel emblem with ESA and NASA logos on a white background. Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000h Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000h Herschel emblem with ESA and NASA logos on a black background. Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000g Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000g NASA Herschel Science Center logo with subtext on a white background Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000f Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000f NASA Herschel Science Center logo with subtext on a black background Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000e Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000e Artist concept of the Herschel Space Observatory side view. Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000d Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000d Artist concept of the Herschel Space Observatory. Observatory http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000c Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000c NASA Herschel Science Center logo with white background Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000b Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000b NASA Herschel Science Center logo with black background Logo http://www.herschel.caltech.edu/index.php?SiteSection=ImageGallery&ViewImage=nhsc2000-000a Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:00:00 PST nhsc2000-000a