Free space-themed greeting cards from the Hubble Telescope

Short on gift ideas - and money - this Christmas? Why not send your loved ones these space-themed holiday cards?

 

The Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates the space program of the Hubble Telescope, hosts 30 Hubble telescope images designed just for the season.

 

"This year, say it in stars! Send your friends and relatives best wishes for the season with our printable holiday cards. Messages of joy and peace are illuminated by the natural splendor of the universe," read the message at Hubblesite.org.

 

It added the cards are designed to be printed out at photo stores or online photo labs, though a user can also use a home printer.

 

An article on Slate.com said the cards not only feature "gorgeous Hubble images," some of them integrated into the cards, but they're also free.

 

Each card has a brief blurb that indicates the image is a supernova remnant, a planetary nebula, a star field, or a massive galaxy cluster.

 

"Why give your friends someone else’s made-up sentiment when instead you can give them the whole Universe?" it added.

 

The site suggested that users give the wall calendar "The Year in Space" created by Steve Cariddi in collaboration with The Planetary Society.

 

It also suggested another calendar, "America By Starlight," featuring the astrophotography of Tony Rowell. — TJD, GMA News