NGC 2506 is fainter open cluster in the constellation of Monoceros in winter. Around 150 stars make up the cluster, and it looks best through a telescope. Amateur astronomers also know the cluster by the names Caldwell 54, Melotte 80, and Collinder 170.
Tag Archives: Winter
1 Camelopardalis: A White and Sapphire Blue Double Dances Around the Celestial Pole
1 Camelopardalis, also known as DL Cam, is a double and variable star in the constellation Camelopardalis and is viewable much of the year as it circles close to the North Star. The blue-white pair are fairly tight together at 10 arcseconds apart. They are also known as Struve 550 (STF 550), SAO 24670, HIP 21148
Messier 47 (NGC 2422): A Bright, Young Cluster in Southern Skies
Messier 47 graces the southern skies in the constellation Puppis. While only 50 or so stars make up this cluster, they are bright, blue, and ready to be enjoyed with binoculars or telescopes.
Messier 41 (NGC 2287): The Little Beehive in Canis Major
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.
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.