Nebulas – The Garden Astronomer

NGC 1360: Robin’s Egg Nebula in Fornax

Shows the blue Robin Egg Nebula to support the article.

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

Image of Cassiopeia constellation in a starry sky.

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 Horsehead Nebula (IC 434): A Shadow in the Stars

The Horsehead Nebula, located in Orion, is recognized for its iconic silhouette but is faint and challenging to observe. First discovered in 1888 by Williamina Fleming, it is a stellar nursery contributing to star formation. Ideal viewing occurs between December and March, away from city lights using larger telescopes.