Universe Today
[/caption] I've been meaning to put together an article highlighting the best space and astronomy pictures of 2008, but I see time is slowly slipping away from me to get this out before 2008 turns into 2009. However, I'm in luck! A few people have already done the work for me, and so I'll just link to them. First, of course, is Phil Plait over at the
Bad Astronomy Blog,
who does his annual
Top Ten Astronomy Pictures
, and this year's choices by the BA were excellent. Next, Dave Mosher over at
Discovery Space
has just put together a slideshow of his picks for the Best Space and Astronomy Pictures of 2008. Nice job, Dave! And this just in (update 8:10 pm) -- Emily Lakdawalla at the
Planetary Society Blog
has a great selection of The Year in Pictures 2008. Thanks Emily!
There are more links below, but I know if I would have done a list myself, the image above would have been my #1 pick. This shot by the
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's
HiRISE Camera
of the Phoenix lander descending through Mars' atmosphere is truly outstanding. It's an unbelievable shot, and I'll always remember how my jaw dropped in disbelief when I first saw it.
And now back to everyone else's best pics of 2008 lists:
I recently came across this site from and television station in India that put together a list of the 50 (wow! 50!) Best Astronomy Pictures of 2008.
The Boston Globe's The Big Picture
put together an
"Advent Calendar"
of 25 pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope that is well worth the trip if you haven't already browsed through the nice and roomy images. I think my favorite is #9.
And finally,
National Geographic has a Top Ten Most Viewed Space Photos of 2008
that is very fun, too.
Check them all out and enjoy celebrating the New Year!