Explore NGC 2903, a bright barred spiral galaxy in Leo that rewards backyard observers as it’s often overlooked for other Messier galaxies.
Category Archives: Galaxies
NGC 4038 and 4039: The Antennae Galaxies
A look at the Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038/4039): a merging pair in Corvus, starburst activity, and a suburban observation using Seestar S50.
NGC 6946: The Fireworks Galaxy in Cepheus
Discover NGC 6946, the Fireworks Galaxy—an active spiral rich in star formation. Includes Seestar S50 photo, sketch, and backyard observation notes.
Messier 87 (NGC 4486): Home of a Famous Black Hole
Most of the public had never heard of the Messier 87 galaxy until a few years ago. This changed on the morning of April 10, 2019, as scientists released the first image of the supermassive black hole at the heart of M87. When the image appeared in my news feed that morning, I recall rushingContinueContinue reading “Messier 87 (NGC 4486): Home of a Famous Black Hole”
Messier 96 (NGC 3368): Bright Galaxy Light in Leo
Messier 96 is one of those galaxies that can break through the haze of suburban light, as long as one has a modest scope and really transparent conditions. Messier 96 (also known as M96 or NGC 3368) is a spiral galaxy approximately 31 million light-years away from Earth.
Messier 100 (NGC 4321): A Grand Design Spiral in Coma Berenices
Messier 100 (M100) is a grand design spiral galaxy located 55 million light-years away in Coma Berenices. Discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, it features symmetrical arms with vibrant star-forming regions. M100 is both visually striking and dynamic, making it a favorite for amateur astronomers. This post provides history and personal observations using a Seestar S50. Also known as NGC 4321, UGC 7450, PGC 40153.
NGC 253: A Starburst Galaxy in Sculptor
The Silver Coin Galaxy, or NGC 253, located 11.4 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor, is a prominent starburst galaxy notable for its intense star formation. Discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783, it captivates astronomers and stargazers alike, showcasing dynamic stellar activity and vibrant colors through advanced imaging techniques.
NGC 4565: The Needle Galaxy
The post discusses the Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565) located in the Coma Berenices constellation, notable for its thin, edge-on spiral structure. It features a sketch of the galaxy as it appears through a telescope along with a photo from a Seestar S50. Also known as Caldwell 38 (C38). The article also mentions and shows NGC 4562 nearby.
The Garden Astronomer 