Prime – The Garden Astronomer

Finally Meeting Pluto: A Personal Milestone Under Florida Skies

The author shares about seeing the dwarf planet Pluto from Tampa, Florida using a Seestar S50. Photos of the planet are included.

NGC 4565: The Needle Galaxy

The post discusses the Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565) located in the Coma Berenices constellation, notable for its thin, edge-on spiral structure. It features a sketch of the galaxy as it appears through a telescope along with a photo from a Seestar S50. Also known as Caldwell 38 (C38). The article also mentions and shows NGC 4562 nearby.

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.

NGC 869 and 884: The Famous Sparkling Double Cluster

NGC 869 along with NGC 884 create a breathtaking cluster of stars floating in the constellation of Perseus. Like diamonds sparkling in a dark room, the Double Cluster lights up the autumn sky as it spreads itself as wide as new full moons.