Learn about Messier 76, the Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus, a bipolar planetary nebula with twin lobes and a scorching central star. Includes personal observations and Seestar images.
Category Archives: Nebulas
NGC 1360: Robin’s Egg Nebula in Fornax
Explore NGC 1360, the Robin’s Egg Nebula in Fornax, imaged with Seestar S50, revealing its faint oval shape and binary star heart in the night sky.
Navi: The Star Behind the Ghost of Cassiopeia
Explore Gamma Cassiopeiae (Navi) and the Ghost Nebula IC 63, its history, stellar energy, and connection to astronaut Gus Grissom.
NGC 6818: Little Gem Nebula in Sagittarius
Discover the Little Gem Nebula (NGC 6818) in Sagittarius—a vivid blue-green bubble marking a star’s final breath, as I observed through my telescope.
The Crescent Nebula: A Star’s Fiery Farewell
Discover the NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula—its turbulent origins, glowing arcs, and my sketch and photo showcasing this breathtaking deep-sky marvel.
Messier 1 (NGC 1952): A Champagne Supernova in the Sky
Explore Messier 1 (Crab Nebula), a supernova remnant in Taurus, with detailed sketches, photos, and tips for observing this winter deep-sky gem.
The Iris Nebula: A Flower Blooming in the Dark
Explore the stunning Iris Nebula (NGC 7023 or Caldwell 4), a breathtaking reflection nebula in Cepheus. Discover how the central star illuminates its dust and gas, creating a glowing blue celestial flower. See my sketch and Seestar S50 image to visualize what you can expect to see. Learn about its history, distance (1,300 light-years), and why astrophotographers cherish this beautiful autumn target.
Caldwell 56: The Haunting Skull Nebula in Cetus
The Skull Nebula, known as NGC 246 or Caldwell 56, resides in the constellation Cetus. Discovered by William Herschel in 1785, the planetary resembles a human skull due to gas distribution. It features a white dwarf and two companion stars. Though challenging to observe, it captivates astronomers, symbolizing change and the cosmos’ enduring nature.
The Garden Astronomer 