September science images

American astronomer Henry Draper captured the first photograph of the Orion Nebula on September 30, 1880, a landmark moment in the history of astrophotography. Working with an 11-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope and the then-new dry-plate photographic process, Draper succeeded in imaging the nebula from Earth for the first time. The anniversary is being noted in science and astronomy circles.

Nature has published its monthly selection of the most striking science photography, pairing cosmic imagery with a macro view simulating how a bee sees the world. The September collection is being shared widely among science readers, who highlight it as a showcase of the month's most visually compelling research and nature photography.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 30, 2026 showcases Arp 78, a peculiar galaxy located in the constellation Aries. The image and accompanying article on NASA's science site highlight the galaxy's unusual structure, drawing attention from space and astronomy enthusiasts sharing it across social platforms.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 30, 2026 showcases Arp 78, a peculiar galaxy located in the constellation Aries. The feature, published on NASA's science site, highlights the galaxy's unusual structure, part of Halton Arp's catalog of peculiar galaxies. Space enthusiasts and astronomers are sharing the image and article across social platforms, continuing the daily tradition of celebrating striking astronomical imagery.