Galaxies aren't the only objects filling up the view of NASA's Galaxy
Evolution Explorer. Since its launch in 2003, the space telescope --
originally designed to observe galaxies across the universe in ultraviolet
light -- has discovered a festive sky blinking with flaring and erupting
stars, as well as streaking asteroids, satellites and space debris. A
group of six streaking objects -- the identities of which remain unknown
-- can be seen here flying across the telescope's sight in this sped-up
movie.
The two brightest objects appear to perform a sharp turn then travel in
the reverse direction. This illusion is most likely the result of the
Galaxy Evolution Explorer overtaking the objects as it orbits around
Earth.
Careful inspection reveals four additional faint objects with the same
timing and behavior. These faint objects are easiest to see during the
retrograde portion of their paths. Three appear between the two bright
sources, and one is above them, near the edge of the field of view.
These bonus objects are being collected in to public catalogues for other
astronomers to study.
