Hyades is an open star cluster in the constellation of Taurus. It’s best viewed in winter through early spring. Observers should be able to see Hyades from most locations with the unaided eye. At only 150 light years from earth, Hyades is the closest star cluster to earth. My Observations December 28, 2020 | 7:53ContinueContinue reading “Hyades: The Closest Star Cluster to Earth and Face of Taurus”
Tag Archives: Spring
NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga
NGC 2281 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It’s best viewed during the late winter months into early spring. You see the central stars make a diamond shape. Also, one will notice a mix of red and blue stars, which makes this relatively unknown cluster of 30-40 stars a worthy find.ContinueContinue reading “NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga”
Messier 38 (NGC 1912): A Starfish Floating in an Ocean of Sky
Messier 38 is one of several beautiful and bright star clusters in the constellation Auriga. It’s also know as the Starfish Cluster as lines of brighter stars stretch out from the center.
Messier 3 (NGC 5272): A Globular Cluster with a Fiery Center
M3 is one of the finest globular clusters in the northern sky. An amazing 500,000 stars make up this cluster.
Messier 51: The Great Whirlpool
Few galaxies are a breathtaking as the majestic Whirlpool Galaxy in the springtime sky near the Big Dipper.
Venus: The Bringer of Light
Venus, the morning and evening star, dazzles with bright reflection from sulfuric acid clouds. Discover the history and science behind Earth’s sister planet.
Mercury: On Finding the Elusive Planet
An amateur astronomer shares how he finally found the elusive planet Mercury, 29 years after first searching for it on the morning of Ted Bundy’s death.
The Garden Astronomer 