Top Object – Page 3 – The Garden Astronomer

Messier 52 (NGC 7654): A Small Scorpion in Cassiopeia

M52 is a condensed cluster of mostly faint stars sitting in the Milky Way sea of stars. This makes the object tougher to find.

NGC 457: The Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia

An owl hides out in Cassiopeia, so on autumn and winter nights, turn your scope toward the constellation and look for cluster and its two bright stars that make up the eyes.

Iota Cassiopeiae: An Unforgettable Triple

Discover Iota Cassiopeiae, a triple star system hidden in Cassiopeia’s “W.” Through a telescope, it reveals a stunning trio of diamond-like stars.

NGC 7006: The Ancient Lantern at the Rim of the Galaxy

NGC 7006, an elusive globular cluster located 135,000 light-years away in the constellation Delphinus, offers a unique challenge for amateur astronomers. Its faint visual magnitude of 10.6 makes it hard to detect, revealing a compact cluster over time through powerful telescopes. Observing it connects viewers with distant cosmic history. Also known as Caldwell 42.

NGC 6819: The Foxhead Cluster

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.

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”

Messier 36 (NGC 1960): A Pinwheel of Stars

Messier 36, nicknamed the Pinwheel Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It is best viewed in winter through early spring. Approximately 60 stars make up the cluster, with many of the brightest stars making straggling lines or chains streaming from the center.

Struve 3050: A Tight Pair of Stars in Andromeda

Struve 3050 is a 6th magnitude binary star in the Andromeda constellation best viewed on autumn nights. It is a beautiful, tight pair of equally bright light golden stars.