Cosmic rays

Sometimes, high-energy cosmic rays can hit a camera as it is observing the Universe. These can be from distant exotic sources, like a supernova, or they can be randomly emitted from near to the camera lens.

Either way, the provide a sharp energy jolt to the camera, producing a tiny, white point in the image. These points can be seen by zooming in and looking closely at this image.

This image will be available in the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre in Garching, Munich.