Welcome to the Owl Nebula, also known as Messier 97. This planetary nebula is located in the constellation Ursa Major and can be seen in the night sky every spring. When viewed with small telescopes under clear, dark conditions, it appears as a small circular smudge. However, telescopes with a diameter of over 8 inches can reveal more of the nebula’s unique owl-like features. Also known as M97, NGC 3587, ARO 25.
Tag Archives: Spring
Theta Cancri: A Gem in the Crab
Theta Cancri is a pretty double star in the spring constellation of Cancer. The primary star shines a pretty red-orange color. The star is also known as 31 CNC, SAO 97881, HD 72094, HIP 41822, HR 3357
Epsilon Hydrae: A Tight Celestial Pair in the Serpent
Epsilon Hydrae is a notable binary star system in the constellation Hydra, discovered by Wilhelm Struve in 1825. The primary star orbits a close companion every 15 years, with a further distant companion observed through telescopes. Best viewed in spring, Epsilon Hydrae presents an engaging target for amateur astronomers. Also known as: SAO 117112, Eps Hya, 11 Hydrae, ε Hya, HD 74874, HIP 43109, HR 3482
Nu 1 Canis Majoris: A Pretty Binary in Canis Major
Nu1 Canis Majoris (also known as ν1 Canis Majoris) is a fairly bright binary in the constellation Canis Major. The two pretty yellow stars are wide apart enough for backyard observers with modest scopes to see both stars. The double is also known as Nu1 CMa, SHJ 73, SAO 151694, HIP 31560, HR 2423, HD 47138, 6 Canis Majoris, ν1 CMa.
Messier 71 (NGC 6838): A Globular Cluster Close to Home
Globular clusters like Messier 71 (M71) make for great targets. With a pair of binoculars away from bright city lights, an observer can see M71 as a fuzzy patch. Move up to the telescope (say 4 inches in diameter and larger), and you can start to make out some individual stars. For a long time,ContinueContinue reading “Messier 71 (NGC 6838): A Globular Cluster Close to Home”
Iota Boötes (Asellus Secundus): A Wide Yellow and Lilac Double Star
The double star Iota Boötis shines down from the northern constellation of Boötes. The two stars are separated by approximately 39 arc seconds of space, making the pair visible to those with smaller telescopes—and maybe even binoculars.
Struve 1904: A Nice Double Star in Virgo
The author explores the galaxies in the Virgo constellation, focusing on the double star STF 1904, discovered by Friedrich Struve in 1823. Comprising a subgiant primary and a main-sequence secondary star, they are 247 light years from Earth. Observations made in Seattle reveal their distinct separation and brightness.
Also known as: SAO 120822, HD 133408, HR 5610, HIP 73716, STF 1904
The Sun: Our Powerhouse
Our Sun, situated at the center of our solar system, serves as the gravitational anchor around which Earth and other celestial bodies revolve. Right now it is experiencing great solar activity.
The Garden Astronomer 