Posted May 15th 2009 1:01PM by TMZ Staff
An amateur astronomer named Thierry Legault took this unbelievable photo of the Space Shuttle Atlantis silhouetted by our massive sun -- and you won't believe what it took to get the shot.
The shuttle (which is only 37m long and has a 24m wingspan) was traveling 17,500 mph at 350 miles above the Earth's surface -- and Lagault says he only had .8 seconds to get the shot. The sun looms in the background a mere 91 million miles away.
We're not going to get into what kind of equipment, settings and preparation it took -- because we're too busy staring at the pic to get into it. But you can check out another amazing shot on the dude's website.
Tags: astronomy, space, space shuttle atlantis, SpaceShuttleAtlantis, sun
Posted Sep 29th 2006 4:49PM by TMZ Staff
Richard Branson has unveiled images of his upcoming Virgin Galactic spaceliners and we have only one word for these spaceships: swanky.
The specially-outfitted SpaceShipTwo vehicles are designed to seat six passengers and two pilots. The craft will be hauled into launch position by a massive carrier craft called the WhiteKnightTwo.
For $200,000 you can buy a ticket for the two and a half hour flight and soar 68 miles above Earth. No word on whether or not you get to keep your space uniform as the ultimate souvenir or what type of meals will be served.
Fortunately for those of us who don't have wads of cash lying around, Virgin is in talks with the BBC and ITV over a proposed "Astronaut Idol"-type show. Six contestants from around the world will compete for a spot on SpaceShipTwo.
The only problem we can foresee is what to do if they lose your luggage??
Filed under: Wacky & Weird, Celebritoyz
Tags: astronaut idol, AstronautIdol, astronuaght idol, AstronuaghtIdol, bbc, itv, outerspace, outter space, OutterSpace, richard branson, RichardBranson, spaace ship, SpaaceShip, space, space ship, space ship two, SpaceShip, spaceshiptwo, virgin
