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.
Category Archives: Star Clusters
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.
Messier 11 (NGC 6705): A Wild Duck Swims Through Scutum
Backyard astronomers will appreciate Messier 11’s bright magnitude, which allows this “cloud” of more than 2,900 stars to be viewable under good conditions. Also known as the Wild Duck Cluster and NGC 6705.
Struve 1659: The Stargate Cluster (Asterism) in Corvus
Learn about the star cluster Struve 1659 also known as the Stargate Cluster. The object is an asterism in the southern constellation of Corvus best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere in the spring.
Messier 44 (NGC 2632): A Swarm of Bees in Cancer
From Ptolemy describing M44 as a “nebulous mass in the breast of cancer” to Chinese astronomers calling it a “cloud of pollen,” the Beehive has held the attention of skywatchers over the ages. Also known Messier 44, Praesepe, and NGC 2632.
Messier 67 (NGC 2682): The Ancient King Cobra Cluster
Messier 67, also known as the King Cobra cluster or NGC 2682, is an open star cluster in the constellation of cancer. It’s best viewed in late winter and early spring. It is one of the oldest known star clusters and contains more than 500 stars!
NGC 1502: A Rich Cluster Meets a Cascade of Stars
NGC 1502 is a rich, attractive open star cluster in the constellation Camelopardalis. The cluster lies at one end of the notable asterism Kemble’s Cascade. Backyard astronomers will larger binoculars or smaller scopes will enjoy seeing both!
The Garden Astronomer 