On summer nights, when the constellation Hercules makes its way to the top of the sky, two of the greatest globular clusters tag along: Messier 13 and Messier 92. These ancient objects of the universe are must-see objects, and one can get a good view of them with a simple pair of binoculars. Many observersContinueContinue reading “Messier 92 (NGC 6341): A Chandelier of Stars”
Category Archives: Globular Clusters
Messier 15 (NGC 7078): A Heavy Duty Dense Globular Cluster in Pegasus
Messier 15 is a globular cluster in the constellation Pegasus. It’s best viewed in Autumn. In August 1746, astronomers noticed the appearance of a comet called Cheseaux’s Comet. A month later on September 7, astronomer Jean-Dominique Maraldi was interested in the new arrival when he landed upon Messier 15 in the constellation Pegasus. Best viewedContinueContinue reading “Messier 15 (NGC 7078): A Heavy Duty Dense Globular Cluster in Pegasus”
Messier 56 (NGC 6779): A Globular Cluster Screaming Toward Us
This grouping of stars is around 84 light-year in diameter. What’s more, it’s screaming toward the earth at around 345,000 miles per hour!
NGC 6934: A Globular Cluster Far From Home in Delpinus
NGC 6934 is one of the farthest clusters visible through amateur scopes. At 51,200 light years from earth, this globular approaches the “outer banks” of our galaxy.
Messier 13 (NGC 6205): A Brilliant Globular Cluster in Hercules
Messier 13 made history in 1974 when astronomers broadcast a message toward this awesome globular cluster, hoping that exterrestrial ears might hear the signal.
Messier 4 (NGC 6121): A Brilliant Southern Summer Cluster
Messier 4 (M4) is a brilliant globular cluster in the constellation of Scorpius, which is best viewed in summer.
At approximately 5,500 light-years away, M4 is one of the nearest globulars to Earth and one of the brightest in the night sky.
Messier 5 (NGC 5904): A Glorious Globular and Summertime Rose
On the night of May 5, 1702, Gottfried Kirch was comet hunting with his wife Maria when they discovered a “nebulous star” in the constellation of Serpens. The Kirches stumbled upon this cluster — one of the largest, brightest, and oldest in the heavens
Messier 3 (NGC 5272): A Globular Cluster with a Fiery Center
M3 is one of the finest globular clusters in the northern sky. An amazing 500,000 stars make up this cluster.
The Garden Astronomer 