This small pattern of four stars created substantial debate for years, but now we know it’s a simple asterism that looks like a spaceship from Asteroids!
Category Archives: Messier Objects
Messier 103 (NGC 581): A Star Cluster Far Far Away
Say hello to one of the most remote open star clusters in the Messier catalog.
Messier 16 (NGC 6611): The Eagle Nebula
As summertime begins in the northern hemisphere, Messier 16 (also known as the Eagle Nebula or Star Queen Nebula) comes on the scene. The popular Eagle Nebula s a diffuse emission nebula located in the constellation Serpens.
NGC 6885 (Caldwell 37): A Cluster with a Shining Star Center
NGC 6885, also known as Caldwell 37, is a star cluster in the constellation Vulpecula and best viewed in summer or early autumn.
Messier 104 (NGC 4594): The Stunning Sombrero Galaxy
We view this stunning galaxy almost edge-on. In this lair of light lives a supermassive black hole.
Mizar: A Double Star Known for Generations
My guess is Mizar is the first double star most people ever see. When Ursa Major (the “Big Dipper”) takes its place high in the springtime sky, casual skygazers can point out the bright double star in the middle of the ladle called Mizar. Its companion, called Alcor, shines almost as bright, making both starsContinueContinue reading “Mizar: A Double Star Known for Generations”
Messier 92 (NGC 6341): A Chandelier of Stars
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”
Messier 60 (NGC 4649): Hubble’s Fastest Moving Galaxy
Messier 60 is a giant elliptical galaxy in the Virgo constellation. It’s best viewed in spring. According to NASA, M60 has a diameter of 120,000 light-years and is as massive as one trillion suns. At its center is a supermassive black hole with a mass 4.5 billion times that of our sun. It’s easy toContinueContinue reading “Messier 60 (NGC 4649): Hubble’s Fastest Moving Galaxy”
The Garden Astronomer 