The constellation Cygnus is rich with countless celestial objects. Among these is the open star cluster NGC 6819, a great assembly of stars also known as the Foxhead Cluster. Backyard astronomers can enjoy visiting the fox head on summer and autumn nights, much like the pioneering astronomer Caroline Herschel, who first observed it on May 12, 1784.
Category Archives: Star Clusters
NGC 2353: Taking a Trip to Avery’s Island, a Star Cluster in Monoceros
The faint winter constellation Monoceros features a nice collection of star clusters and deep sky objects, including the famous Christmas Tree cluster and Avery’s Island, also known as NGC 2353. The cluster features more than 100 stars.
NGC 2169: A “37” Tattooed on Orion’s Outstretched Arm
High above Orion’s Nebula and belt lies the star cluster NGC 2169, affectionately known as the “37 Cluster.” This arrangement of stars earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the number 37 when viewed through a small telescope or binoculars. It’s also known as Collinder 83, XY Cluster, and the LE Cluster
IC 348: A Stellar Nursery and Fireworks Show in Perseus
IC 348 is a beautiful star cluster wrapped in a veil of milky nebulosity. On autumn and winter nights, turn your attention to the Perseus constellation and this cosmic cradle where stars are born. It’s also known as C 0341+321, Collinder 41.
NGC 6709: An 8-Bit Game Character in Aquila’s Star Cluster
NGC 6709 is located in the constellation Aquila (the Eagle) best viewed on late summer and early autumn nights. This congregation of stars was first documented by the renowned astronomer William Herschel in 1784. One may not find much written about the cluster, but this fact doesn’t diminish its attractiveness. Approximately 300 stars make upContinueContinue reading “NGC 6709: An 8-Bit Game Character in Aquila’s Star Cluster”
NGC 6811: A Smoke Ring of Stars in the Constellation Cygnus
The star cluster NGC 6811 in Cygnus has a unique dark center that some people call “The Hole in the Cluster,” making this a great target for backyard astronomers.
Messier 23 (NGC 6494): Open Cluster in a Sagittarius Starfield
The constellation Sagittarius is home to Messier 23 (M23), a spacious and radiant open star cluster. This cluster is one of several within the summer Milky Way and can be observed through binoculars in dark sky conditions or a small telescope from the suburbs.
Messier 24 (NGC 6603): Small Sagittarius Star Cloud
Messier 24 is not a traditional astronomical object like a nebula, star cluster, or galaxy. Instead, it is a region within our Milky Way galaxy that is densely packed with stars, making it appear like a stunning celestial cloud.
The Garden Astronomer 