Milky Way Illuminates Manhattan in Near‑Infrared Image

NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) released on October 15, 2026, showcases the Milky Way arching over Manhattan. The image was captured with a filter that blocks most visible light, allowing only near‑infrared wavelengths to pass. This technique suppresses the glow from incandescent and some neon streetlights while leaving fluorescent and LED lights largely invisible, reducing urban light pollution. Stars remain bright in the near‑infrared, making the galaxy visible against the city’s skyline. The photograph serves as a reminder that, despite our bustling metropolis, we all share the same night sky and can learn about our place in the cosmos through astronomy.