Category Archives: Messier Objects

Messier 27 (NGC 6853): The Dumbbell Planetary Nebula in Vulpecula

Messier 27 (NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. It is also known as the Dumbbell Nebula due to its distinctive shape resembling a dumbbell or hourglass. It’s best viewed in summer and early autumn. Amateur astronomers can find M27 fairly easy with binoculars and small telescopes, even from light-polluted suburban area as the sketch in this article shows.

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.

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.