Milky Way Captured Over Yellowstone's Silex Spring

A breathtaking panorama of the Milky Way arching over Silex Spring in Yellowstone National Park has been featured as NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day on August 16, 2026. The image, captured by Dave Lane, showcases the central band of our galaxy illuminated by billions of stars, set against the vibrant colors of the hot spring.

Silex Spring, located in Wyoming, USA, is known for its striking colors, which are the result of bacteria layers thriving in the hot waters. The spring is heated by underground magma associated with the Yellowstone Hotspot, a volcanic region that last erupted in a supervolcanic event around 640,000 years ago.

The panorama, composed of 16 images, was originally taken in 2014. It highlights the contrast between the distant cosmic beauty of the Milky Way and the terrestrial geothermal activity at Yellowstone. This juxtaposition underscores the diverse and dynamic nature of our planet and universe.

The Milky Way's appearance in the image is unrelated to the geothermal features below. However, the combination of these elements in a single frame provides a unique perspective on the natural wonders both on Earth and in the sky.