Wayne McGraw

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.

Algieba (Gamma Leonis): A Pretty Double Star with a Planet in Leo

Algieba is an exceptional double star, which would easily be placed in a list of TOP 10 double stars visible to backyard astronomers.

Izar (Epsilon Boötis): A Bit of Science Fiction and Loveliness

The binary star named Izar, also known as Epsilon Boötis, is located in the constellation Boötes and is best viewed in late spring. It takes a decent telescope and clear skies to split this double, but the effort pays off!

Messier 49 (NGC 4472): The Brightest Galaxy of the Virgo Cluster

Messier 49 (M49 and NGC 4472) happens to be the brightest galaxy in the Virgo Cluster. It’s also the brightest galaxies amateur astronomers can view from the backyard. Learn more of this large elliptical galaxy viewable as a hazy patch of light from the suburbs.