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.
Tag Archives: Monoceros
NGC 2506: A Star Cluster in a Black Ocean
NGC 2506 is fainter open cluster in the constellation of Monoceros in winter. Around 150 stars make up the cluster, and it looks best through a telescope. Amateur astronomers also know the cluster by the names Caldwell 54, Melotte 80, and Collinder 170.
NGC 2232: A Bright Star Cluster at Home in the Gould Belt
NGC 2232 is an open star cluster that lies in the dim reaches of the constellation of Monoceros. Not to be overlooked, this cluster is attractive in the eyepiece and is part of the fascinating Gould Belt.
NGC 2244: A Star Cluster in a Rose
NGC 2244 is a bright and noteworthy cluster at the center of the Rosette Nebula. Backyard astronomers will appreciate the cluster is viewable with binoculars and small telescopes.
Beta Monocerotis: A Delightful Triple Star
During the wintertime, don’t miss this unique-looking system with its three hot-blue stars.
Epsilon Monocerotis: A Lemon and Vanilla Double Star
This attractive yellow-white double lies near the famous Rosette Nebula.
NGC 2264: A Christmas Tree Lights Up in Monoceros!
Don’t miss this large and attractive star cluster and nebula on cold winter nights.
Messier 50 (NGC 2323): That’s an “M” for Monoceros! An Open Star Cluster in Monoceros
Messier 50 is an open star cluster in the constellation Monoceros. It’s best viewed in winter. Discovered by Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1710, Messier 50 is part of the constellation Monoceros but lies near Canis Major. I’ve read various descriptions of the cluster over the years, including it looking like a “coil,” a “heart,” or,ContinueContinue reading “Messier 50 (NGC 2323): That’s an “M” for Monoceros! An Open Star Cluster in Monoceros”
The Garden Astronomer 