NASA's recent Instagram post didn't show celestial observations, but featured something quite unusual than ever before. The post featured a stunning close-up of a sandhill crane staring at the camera with its wide open eyes. This picture has taken the internet by storm, prompting many followers to question whether the agency's account had been hacked.

Here's what NASA posted on Instagram

A crane's photo on space agency's page?

Noting the page often shares beautiful images from outer space, earth orbits, and more, followers wondered what this recent upload really was. The unusual and earthly click made them think NASA's social media page was probably hacked.

Before we reveal what really happened and whether netizens are right, let us take you through the viral photo of the bird.

NASA's Instagram page hacked?

On January 16, NASA shared a photo of a redheaded sandhill crane on Instagram. The image showcased the bird's large brown eyes and slender neck against a backdrop of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, which is part of NASA's effort to highlight the diverse wildlife that inhabits its grounds.

“This sandhill crane is one of the 1,500 different species of plants and animals that make their home at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, which shares space with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge", read the post caption, which made it clear that the space agency's page wasn't compromised.

A initial look at the picture might have stunned netizens, but a closer look made them spot the crane near the NASA building, which made them understand that the space agency didn't see any cybersecurity breach.

The Instagram post featuring the now-viral crane's photo mentioned that the Space Coast provides an ideal environment for these cranes due to its shallow freshwater habitats, which offer ample nesting space and food sources.