NGC 1529 is an open star cluster in the constellation Perseus. It's best viewed in the winter. Approximately 150 star makes up the constellation My Observations Date: March 11, 2021Time: 8:00 p.m.Location: Seattle, WashingtonScope: Meade 8″ ACFEyepiece: 20mmTemp: 53FSeeing: AverageTransparency: Average This cluster does have several bright stars; I count 15 prominent stars. On first glance, the stars look like theyContinue reading "NGC 1528: A Star Cluster with a Water Fountain"
NGC 1545: A Colorful Triangle Cluster in Perseus
NGC 1545 is an open star cluster in the constellation Perseus. It's best viewed in the winter at a magnitude of 6.19.
NGC 752: A Scattered Star Cluster with Some Sparks
Caroline Herschel discovered this wide open cluster on September 29, 1783. While not spectacular, the cluster makes a nice impressions in wider eyepieces.
NGC 2360: Caroline’s Beautiful Cluster of Stars
Caroline Hershel, sister of the famous astronomer William Hershel who discovered Uranus, discovered this cluster more than 200 years ago on a winter's night. Seeing this makes me reflect on the passing of time.
Messier 48 (NGC 2548): A Star Cluster the Size of Two Moons
Messier 48 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Hydra. M48 has an interesting history as Messier recorded an incorrect location for the cluster, and many give credit to Caroline Herschel for its discovery.
Delta Geminorum (Wasat): A Star With a Unique History
Wasat is the primary star in a triple star system in the constellation Gemini. It's best viewed in the winter. At magnitude +3.5, Wasat is not difficult to find under suburban skies. As you look at Wasat, you're looking at a historical area of the night sky. In February 1930, Kansas farmboy-turned-astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discoveredContinue reading "Delta Geminorum (Wasat): A Star With a Unique History"
Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars
With many competing targets in the Orion neighborhood, it may be easy to overlook notable double stars such as Rigel and Struve 747 (also known by HR 1887). Struve 747 is a 4th magnitude double star in Orion and a worthy target on any winter night. When observing the pair, you'll notice they are prettyContinue reading "Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars"
Messier 42 (NGC 1976): A Cosmic Fire and Stellar Nursery in Orion
Messier 42, known as the Great Orion Nebula, is in the constellation Orion. It's best viewed in the winter. The Great Orion Nebula never fails to impress winter stargazers. I don't care if I'm looking at M42 with a small pair of binoculars or larger scope, I find it difficult to break my gaze atContinue reading "Messier 42 (NGC 1976): A Cosmic Fire and Stellar Nursery in Orion"
The Garden Astronomer 