Top Object – The Garden Astronomer

Messier 93: The Wedge-Shaped Open Cluster in Puppis

Photo of Messier 93, showing the wedge-shaped cluster in Puppis.

Learn about Messier 93, a wedge-shaped open star cluster in Puppis—its history and how to observe it with binoculars or a telescope.

The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024): Orion’s Subtle Fire

Features both the Horsehead and Flame Nebula in one color picture

Discover Orion’s Flame Nebula, glowing crimson from hidden star IRS2b. Learn about its beauty and how to observe visually and with a Seestar.

The Quadrantids Meteor Shower and the Turning of the Year

Watch the Quadrantids meteor shower peak in early January. Explore its history, origins, and the fleeting brilliance of winter’s skies.

STT 461 in Cepheus: A Multiple Star System—or a Cosmic Illusion?

Shows the stars in the multiple star system of STT 461 in constellation Cepheus

The double star Struve 2840 is located in the northern sky within the constellation Cepheus. Backyard astronomers should find it pretty easy to separate Struve 2840’s two stars, which are separated by 18 arcseconds. The pair is also known as STF 2840, SAO 33819, HD 208063, HR 8357.

Ursid Meteor Shower: The Mystery and History of December’s Shooting Stars

A reflective journey through the Ursid meteor shower, blending observations, modern astronomy, and December night skies.

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.

Geminid Meteor Shower: Tracing the Origins of the ‘Rock Comet’

Shows Geminids meteor trails over a winter pastoral scene in China, 2021.

The Geminids peak Dec 13–14, 2025! Learn the history behind the shower, viewing tips, and it unique colors.

HD 214599: Triple Star in Piscis Austrinus

An illustration of the double star system.

Explore HD 214599 in Piscis Austrinus, a triple star Herschel studied, with tips for spotting its subtle companions through a telescope. Also known as HR 8619.