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Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Milky Way Over Quiver Tree Forest
NASA ^ | December 12, 2012 | (see photo credit)

Posted on 12/11/2012 9:40:55 PM PST by SunkenCiv

Explanation: In front of a famous background of stars and galaxies lies some of Earth's more unusual trees. Known as quiver trees, they are actually succulent aloe plants that can grow to tree-like proportions. The quiver tree name is derived from the historical usefulness of their hollowed branches as dart holders. Occurring primarily in southern Africa, the trees pictured in the above 16-exposure composite are in Quiver Tree Forest located in southern Namibia. Some of the tallest quiver trees in the park are estimated to be about 300 years old. Behind the trees is light from the small town of Keetmanshoop, Namibia. Far in the distance, arching across the background, is the majestic central band of our Milky Way Galaxy. Even further in the distance, visible on the image left, are the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, smaller satellite galaxies of the Milky Way that are prominent in the skies of Earth's southern hemisphere.

December 12, 2012

(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...


TOPICS: Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: apod; astronomy; milkyway; science
[Credit & Copyright: Florian Breuer]

1 posted on 12/11/2012 9:41:06 PM PST by SunkenCiv
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To: brytlea; cripplecreek; decimon; bigheadfred; KoRn; Grammy; married21; steelyourfaith; Mmogamer; ...
Last Repetitive Day this Century: For one second today the date and time will be 12/12/12 12:12:12. [twice, actually, unless one lives on military time]

2 posted on 12/11/2012 9:44:07 PM PST by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: SunkenCiv

All I know to say here is WOW! Thanks SunkenCiv!


3 posted on 12/11/2012 11:09:45 PM PST by houeto (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: SunkenCiv

Wow! It doesn’t even look like a picture from our own planet. Just amazing and beautiful. Thanks, Sunky!


4 posted on 12/12/2012 3:28:46 AM PST by momtothree
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To: SunkenCiv

BEAUTIFUL!

HAPPY CHANUKAH, SUNKEN CIV!!!!


5 posted on 12/12/2012 5:42:39 AM PST by left that other site (Worry is the Darkroom that Develops Negatives.)
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To: SunkenCiv

WOW


6 posted on 12/12/2012 5:43:37 AM PST by bmwcyle (We have gone over the cliff and we are about to hit the bottom)
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To: momtothree
It really does look like digital artwork akin to Ryan Bliss' Digital Blasphemy.

What wonders God created that we overlook.

7 posted on 12/12/2012 5:44:51 AM PST by rarestia (It's time to water the Tree of Liberty.)
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To: momtothree
It really does look like digital artwork akin to Ryan Bliss' Digital Blasphemy.

What wonders God created that we overlook.

8 posted on 12/12/2012 5:44:51 AM PST by rarestia (It's time to water the Tree of Liberty.)
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To: SunkenCiv
Now that is cool!
9 posted on 12/12/2012 8:47:28 AM PST by BenLurkin (This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both)
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