Messier 41 lies south of the bright star Sirius and covers an area nearly the size of the moon. I credit this wintertime cluster for inspiring my life-long love of astronomy. Learn why.
Tag Archives: Winter
65 Piscium: A Splendid Citrine Binary in Pisces
This close binary star is considered the best in Pisces for its equal brightness and attractive yellow color.
Messier 34 (NGC 1039): A Robust Cluster with Attractive Pairs of Stars
Messier 34 is a treasure chest of 80-100 viewable stars in the winter constellation Perseus.
Messier 78 (NGC 2068): A Friendly Ghost in Orion
Messier 78 joins a host of rich astronomical targets in the constellation Orion. M78 is a reflection nebula.
Gamma Leporis: A Rewarding Pair of Mustard and Orange
This is a nice double star in Lepus, just below (or south) of Orion. It’s a great target for any backyard astronomer with binoculars or telescope.
Sigma Orionis: An Attractive Quartet of Stars in Orion
Some consider Sigma Orionis one of the best multiple star systems to view. It makes its home just underneath the belt of Orion near the famous Horsehead Nebula.
Miram (Eta Persei): A Gold and Sapphire Binary on Winter Nights
Miram is a night sky gem and one of the prettiest binary stars in our galaxy. Make your way to the constellation Perseus on a winter night to enjoy the pair.
8 Lacertae: Crystal Blue Persuasion
This multiple star system contains some pretty pale blue stars floating among the dim constellation of the Lacerta.
The Garden Astronomer 