<p>The sun’s rays graze the very top of the <a href="http://www.apex-telescope.org/">Atacama Pathfinder Experiment</a> (APEX) telescope, located in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The 12-meter telescope images very cold gas and dust in the Milky Way and other galaxies.</p>

Lens Flare

The sun’s rays graze the very top of the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) telescope, located in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The 12-meter telescope images very cold gas and dust in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

photo by Carlos A. Durán

Week’s Best Space Pictures: Seeing a Galaxy’s Heartbeat

Dwarf planet Ceres sports a fresh scar, and a telescope gets ready for its close-up.

Feed your need for heavenly views of the universe with our pick of the most awe-inspiring space pictures. This week, Iceland shows off its brilliant greens, and a dwarf galaxy packs a big surprise.

Read This Next

In the hunt for alien life, this planet just became a top suspect
The most ancient galaxies in the universe are coming into view
Why this photo of space debris is unlike anything seen before

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet