This photograph — shot by Rolf Olsen of New Zealand — may appear rather unremarkable at first glance, but it's quickly becoming one of the most popular space pictures of the year. The image shows a new solar system named Beta Pictoris in its very first stages of life. Olsen's achievement marks the first time that an amateur astronomer has captured a solar system being born, and it's a feat that even professional stargazers have a difficult time capturing. (Photo Courtesy of Rolf Olsen/Tecca) See more photos at Tecca.com
Rolf Olsen
You don't need to be employed by NASA to snap some amazing galactic images.