Explore Donati’s Comet of 1858—its historic observations, first photographs, and global impact, from Florence skies to Abraham Lincoln’s gaze.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
NGC 2362: The Radiant Tau Canis Majoris Cluster
Explore NGC 2362 and Tau Canis Majoris, the “Mexican Jumping Star”—a young, dazzling open cluster gem of winter skies for backyard astronomers.
Silent Fireballs, Thunderous Awe: The 1913 Meteor Procession
Eyewitness accounts of the rare 1913 Great Meteor Procession, a slow-moving fireball display across Canada, Bermuda, and the South Atlantic.
Messier 93: The Wedge-Shaped Open Cluster in Puppis
Learn about Messier 93, a wedge-shaped open star cluster in Puppis—its history and how to observe it with binoculars or a telescope.
The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024): Orion’s Subtle Fire
Discover Orion’s Flame Nebula, glowing crimson from hidden star IRS2b. Learn about its beauty and how to observe visually and with a Seestar.
Messier 76: The Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus
Learn about Messier 76, the Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus, a bipolar planetary nebula with twin lobes and a scorching central star. Includes personal observations and Seestar images.
NGC 752: A Scattered Star Cluster with Some Sparks
NGC 752 is a loose open star cluster in Andromeda, best seen in autumn and winter, offering subtle beauty and a glimpse into stellar aging.
The Quadrantids Meteor Shower and the Turning of the Year
Watch the Quadrantids meteor shower peak in early January. Explore its history, origins, and the fleeting brilliance of winter’s skies.
The Garden Astronomer 