messier – Astronomy Now

Head south for a Messier globular duo

30 June 2024 Mark Armstrong

The southern constellation of Scorpius hosts two splendid globular clusters, M4 and M80, both of which provide good viewing despite their lowly presentation at mid-northern latitudes.

Messier 2: a fine globular cluster in Aquarius

25 September 2023 Mark Armstrong

Messier 2 is probably the best globular cluster of the late-summer/early autumn sky, being a big and bright telescopic target that can also be swept up through 10 x 50 binoculars.

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.

Home in on NGC 457, Cassiopeia’s superb ET Cluster

12 September 2022 Mark Armstrong

Shining brightly at magnitude +6.4, brighter than either of the Messier clusters, NGC 457 can be seen by eagle-eyed (or should I say owl-eyed?!) individuals at pristine observing locations.

Observe the dramatic Dumbbell Nebula

25 July 2022 Mark Armstrong

The glorious Dumbbell Nebula, in Vulpecula, is unquestionably one of the top planetary nebulae in the entire sky.