The Saturn Nebula, also known as Caldwell 55, is a planetary nebula viewable in the northern night sky in autumn in constellation Aquarius. Even though dim nebulas like NGC 7009 can be challenging to view in suburban backyards because of light pollution, astronomers should not loose heart. This nebula is pretty easy to spot on a moonless night with a smaller telescope. It will appear light-blue or green and as a small smudge in the scope.
Tag Archives: Autumn
NGC 6826: A Blinking Planetary Nebula in Cygnus
As one stares at the central star, or uses averted vision, the nebula’s fuzzy cloud may come into view as if turning on a light switch. Because of this, some refer to NGC 6826 as the “blinking planetary.”
Messier 27 (NGC 6853): The Dumbbell Planetary Nebula in Vulpecula
Messier 27 (NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. It is also known as the Dumbbell Nebula due to its distinctive shape resembling a dumbbell or hourglass. It’s best viewed in summer and early autumn. Amateur astronomers can find M27 fairly easy with binoculars and small telescopes, even from light-polluted suburban area as the sketch in this article shows.
NGC 6866: One of Caroline’s Bright Clusters in Cygnus
NGC 6866 is a rich cluster with close to 100 stars, making it a good target for backyard astronomers. Caroline Hershel discovered the cluster in the summer of 1783.
8 Lacertae: Crystal Blue Persuasion
This multiple star system contains some pretty pale blue stars floating among the dim constellation of the Lacerta.
31 Cygni: A Trio of Orange, Blue, and White Stars
31 Cygni (Omicron Cygni) is a triple star system in Cygnus with large orange giants and blue companions, ideal for telescope observers in fall.
NGC 752: A Scattered Star Cluster with Some Sparks
Caroline Herschel discovered this wide open cluster on September 29, 1783. While not spectacular, the cluster makes a nice impressions in wider eyepieces.
Eta Cassiopeiae (Achird): A Colorful Double Star in Cassiopeia
Eta Cassiopeiae, also known as Achird, is a double-star system in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s best viewed in autumn through early winter. What’s also notable is how close Achird is to us. Relatively, this double is very close at only 19 light-years away.
The Garden Astronomer 