Awesome images from space

Image 7 of 13

Spiral galaxy, a holiday wreath in spaceNight vision of the EarthEarth after dark, from 512 miles upSoyuz and ISS crew return to EarthFornax cluster of galaxies, a little closerAstronaut shadowsDawn and asteroid VestaSuperbubbleSaturn and moon TitanVolcano on Jupiter moonAstronauts at workMickey on MercuryView of the Nile from space

Dawn is leaving the giant asteroid Vesta, shown in an artist's rendering, and heading toward another object, a dwarf planet named Ceres. <br><b>More: </b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-name-asteroid-20120905,0,7366583.story" target="_blank">NASA sets its sights on a new asteroid and wants to bring a piece home</a>

Dawn and asteroid Vesta

( NASA / Associated Press )

Dawn is leaving the giant asteroid Vesta, shown in an artist's rendering, and heading toward another object, a dwarf planet named Ceres.
More: NASA sets its sights on a new asteroid and wants to bring a piece home

Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.

Follow @latimes

Your Hosts

As an editor and reporter, Michael Muskal has covered local, national, economic and foreign issues at three newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times. @latimesmuskal

Matt Pearce, a University of Missouri graduate, has previously written for the Kansas City Star, the Los Angeles Review of Books, The New Inquiry and The Pitch. @mattdpearce