Zeta Cancri is a multiple star system in the constellation Cancer. It’s best viewed in the spring. For many years, astronomers believed Zeta Cancri to be a triple star system, though now it has been found to be a quadruple system. According to Jim Kaller, the close binary pair (known as Zeta Cancri A andContinueContinue reading “Zeta Cancri: A Multiple Star System in Cancer”
Tag Archives: Spring
Messier 82 (NGC 3034): The Cigar Galaxy
As I stare into the eyepiece, my mind wonders; I imagine the flurry of star creation and enormous, unimaginable energy in the wispy image.
Messier 81 (NGC 3031): Bode’s Galaxy
Messier 81 is a spiral galaxy in Ursa Major. It’s best viewed in the spring. Galaxies are often faint and tough to see from suburban skies. However, Bode’s Galaxy is bright enough to see using smaller scopes and is a great object for amateur astronomers starting out in the hobby. Its spiral arms, the brightContinueContinue reading “Messier 81 (NGC 3031): Bode’s Galaxy”
Messier 48 (NGC 2548): A Star Cluster the Size of Two Moons
Messier 48 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Hydra. M48 has an interesting history as Messier recorded an incorrect location for the cluster, and many give credit to Caroline Herschel for its discovery.
Hyades: The Closest Star Cluster to Earth and Face of Taurus
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”
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.
The Garden Astronomer 