Observing – Astronomy Now

Majestic Messier 45: take a peak at the Pleiades!

28 November 2022 Mark Armstrong

The Pleiades open cluster, or Messier 45, in Taurus is as good as it gets for night-sky eye candy.

Observe Messier 34, Perseus’ commanding open cluster

23 November 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 34 (NGC 1039) in Perseus is a gem of an open cluster that offers something for all observers.

Look to luminous Messier 77

14 November 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 77 (NGC 1068 and Arp 37) is an impressive spiral galaxy in Cetus that presents face-on to our Earthly perspective.

Don’t miss the stunning Double Cluster in Perseus

9 November 2022 Mark Armstrong

The magnificent pair of open clusters forming the Double Cluster in Perseus is the finest in its class at mid-northern latitudes.

Track down Messier 76, the superb Little Dumbbell planetary nebula

31 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

One of only four planetary nebulae to be included in Charles Messier’s famous catalogue, fabulous Messier 76 (NGC 650/651) in Perseus rewards observers and imagers alike.

Messier 52 and NGC 7789: Observe a great pair of open cluster’s in Cassiopeia

24 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 52 (NGC 7654) and NGC 7789 are two of a trio of great open clusters found in Cassiopeia

Watch the Orionid meteor shower peak on Friday night

19 October 2022 Steve Kelly

The Orionid meteor shower is one of autumn’s major meteor showers and is a firm favourite with shooting-star watchers.

Observe a partial eclipse of the Sun

18 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

This month’s partial eclipse of the Sun is visible across the length and breadth of the UK on the morning of 25th October 2022.

Observe majestic Messier 33: A Local Group heavyweight

12 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 33 (NGC 598), the famous Triangulum Galaxy, takes its nickname from the constellation that hosts it.

Spiral galaxy NGC 7331: Deserving of Messier status

5 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

NGC 7331 is a superb spiral galaxy lying in northern Pegasus, one of the brightest visible in the autumn sky.