Messier Objects – Page 8 – The Garden Astronomer

Messier 40: Also Known as Messier’s Greatest Mistake

Springtime galaxy hunting in Ursa Major is an awarding experience. Observers have their pick of Messier objects from the awe-inducing Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51) to the bright Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82). Then, scrolling through these notable Messier objects, one lands upon Messier 40. Aiming the scope at M40 uncovers a simple pair of stars—no nebula,ContinueContinue reading “Messier 40: Also Known as Messier’s Greatest Mistake”

Messier 94 (NGC 4736): The Cat’s Eye Galaxy

Messier 94 is a spiral galaxy with two distinct rings. It also continues to perplex astronomers as it has little to no dark matter.

Messier 64 (NGC 4826): The Black Eye Galaxy

As NASA points out, M64, or the Black Eye galaxy, is characterized by its bizarre internal motion. The gas in the outer regions of this remarkable galaxy is rotating in the opposite direction from the gas and stars in its inner regions.

Messier 66 (NGC 3627): A Galaxy Member of the Leo Triplet

Messier 66 is best viewed during early springtime. It’s is part of the astronomical family of galaxies called the Leo Triplet.

Messier 82 (NGC 3034): The Cigar Galaxy

As I stare into the eyepiece, my mind wonders; I imagine the flurry of star creation and enormous, unimaginable energy in the wispy image.

Messier 81 (NGC 3031): Bode’s Galaxy

Messier 81 is a spiral galaxy in Ursa Major. It’s best viewed in the spring. Galaxies are often faint and tough to see from suburban skies. However, Bode’s Galaxy is bright enough to see using smaller scopes and is a great object for amateur astronomers starting out in the hobby. Its spiral arms, the brightContinueContinue reading “Messier 81 (NGC 3031): Bode’s Galaxy”

Messier 39 (NGC 7092): A Larger Cluster of Straggling Stars in Cygnus

This collection of around 30 stars is only 800-1000 light years away, closer to us than many star clusters. Due to its close proximity, it’s larger and spread across a region larger than the moon.

Messier 35 (NGC 2168): A Young Cluster the Size of the Moon in Gemini

Messier 35, also known by the name the Show-buckle Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation of Gemini. It’s best viewed in the winter months. With at least a pair of binoculars, most stargazers, including those living with urban light pollution, will be able to enjoy M35. The cluster is spread out. It takesContinueContinue reading “Messier 35 (NGC 2168): A Young Cluster the Size of the Moon in Gemini”