Wayne McGraw

100 Herculis: A Pair of Equally Bright White Stars

100 Herculis is a close binary star of two equally bright stars like diamonds on black velvet. The binary lies in the constellation Hercules and is enjoyed on summer nights. Also known as SAO 85752, 100 Her, HDF 166046, STF 2280.

NGC 6633: This Captain Hook Cluster Pulls You In

NGC 6633 is a bright open cluster in Ophiuchus, nearly moon-sized in the sky. A stunning binocular target rich with blue-white stars for summer nights.

Messier 102 (NGC 5866): The Spindle Galaxy with its Dusty Disk

Learn about Messier 102 (NGC 5866), a lenticular galaxy in the constellation Draco. View how it looks through a 8-inch SCT from the light-polluted city or suburbs. Page includes sketch drawing of the galaxy along with historical facts.

Messier 63 (NGC 5055): The Sunflower Galaxy

Learn about Messier 63 (M63), a beautiful spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Observers refer to the galaxy as the Sunflower Galaxy. It is part of the M51 galaxy group.

IC 4665: Say “Hi” to a Brilliant Star Cluster and a Black Cat

This post summarizes how to view the open star cluster IC 4665, which lies in the summer constellation of Ophiuchus. IC 4665 is a large, course, and young star cluster with 30 stars, which are mostly blue-white or white in color. It’s a great object to view and enjoy with binoculars from the suburbs. Also known as Collinder 349 and Melotte 179.

Messier 12 (NGC 6218): The Gumball Globular

Messier 12 is a globular cluster located closer to the center of the Milky Way than many other clusters. Observers can view M12 in late spring and summer. It’s bright and dense character make it a great target of summer in the constellation Ophiuchus. It’s also known as the Gumball.

Messier 14 (NGC 6402): Globular Cluster with an Elongated Glow

Messier 14 (NGC 6402) is a globular cluster in Ophiuchus best viewed in summer. It is slightly elongated in shape and looked fairly dim in my 8-inch SCT scope from the suburbs as my sketch shows. Still, it’s bright enough to see with binoculars from dark skies.

Messier 10 (NGC 6254): Rich Cluster Close to the Galaxy’s Heart

Messier 10 is a globular cluster located closer to the center of the Milky Way than many other clusters. Observers can view M10 in late spring and summer. It’s bright and dense character make it a great target of summer in the constellation Ophiuchus.