Astronomy Picture of the Day . ... In this celestial scene, a four day old Moon illuminates a dreamlike foreground while bright planet Mars (above center) rules and the Milky Way's cosmic clouds of stars and dust seem to stretch from horizon to horizon. The picture was taken on May 27th from what may be the best amateur astronomy observing site on planet Earth , near the Mauna Kea, Hawai'i Visitor Center , 9,600 feet above sea level. ... U. Based on Astronomy Picture Of the Day . ...