observing – Page 8 – Astronomy Now

Observe the iconic Sombrero Galaxy

18 April 2022 Mark Armstrong

If you were to take a poll of the top galaxies that amateur astronomers can observe and image, I bet you wouldn’t need to look far to see the name of the magnificent and striking Sombrero Galaxy (Messier 104 in Virgo).

Observe a great globular – Messier 3

15 April 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 3 (NGC 5272), which shines brightly at magnitude +5.9, is easily seen through 10 × 50 binoculars and is a stunning sight through a telescope.

Observe spring’s radiant sunflower in April

14 April 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 63 (NGC 5055), the Sunflower Galaxy in Canes Venatici, sits comfortably with its reputation as one of the great galaxies visible in the night sky at springtime.

Observe Messier 81 this April

13 April 2022 Mark Armstrong

Messier 81 (NGC 3031) in Ursa Major is one of the finest galaxies in the entire sky.

Mars and Saturn come together in the pre-dawn sky

1 April 2022 Mark Armstrong

The next two months or so promises to be an exciting one if you enjoy viewing close conjunctions between the major planets – and who doesn’t!

Gamma Leonis: split a bright and beautiful double

12 March 2022 Mark Armstrong

Gamma (γ) Leonis (Algieba) is one of the best double stars in the entire sky and makes a superb introduction for beginners yet to sample the delights of double-star observing.

Why do eclipses happen?

9 June 2021 Keith Cooper

Solar eclipses are relatively rare; they happen when the Moon moves directly and precisely in front of the Sun. Why are they so infrequent, and why do solar eclipses always come in pairs with lunar eclipses?

A naked-eye comet graces our skies

7 July 2020 Mark Armstrong

Comet 2020 F3 (NEOWISE) is putting on a fine showing in the pre-dawn northern sky after emerging intact from perihelion (closest point to the Sun).

Look out for asteroid Juno at opposition

2 April 2020 Mark Armstrong

One of the largest objects in the Asteroid Belt, (3) Juno, comes to opposition on 2 April, when it lies directly opposite the Sun as seen from Earth, and is at its brightest – albeit still only visible through telescopes.

Eclipse safety tips video

19 March 2015 Astronomy Now

Astronomy Now’s Greg Smye-Rumsby offers tips on how to safely view the partial solar eclipse of 20 March 2015.