{"id":42395,"date":"2023-03-06T14:44:57","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T14:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/?p=114834"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:33:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:33:08","slug":"a-season-by-season-guide-to-the-best-constellations-visible-in-the-night-sky","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/a-season-by-season-guide-to-the-best-constellations-visible-in-the-night-sky\/","title":{"rendered":"A season-by-season guide to the best constellations visible in the night sky"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our guide to the best northern hemisphere constellations to see during spring, summer, autumn and winter, and deep-sky objects to explore within. <\/p>

By Rod Mollise\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 06 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The constellations are key when learning how to navigate your way around the night sky.<\/p>\n

These star patterns can be used to star-hop<\/a> to various targets, including planets, stars and other deep-sky objects, but constellations also split the celestial sphere into neat sections, enabling the night sky to appear a little less daunting for beginners.<\/p>\n

In all, there are 88 formally-recognised constellations, although it wasn\u2019t always that way.<\/p>\n

Up until the early 20th century, constellations were relatively unstandardised, until in 1922 the International Astronomical Union<\/a> (IAU) agreed on a defined set of 88 star patterns that are the constellations we know and love today.<\/p>\n

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A \u2018constellation\u2019 includes not just the star pattern itself, but the area around the main stars, within the constellation\u2019s boundary.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In 1925, the IAU agreed upon the boundaries surrounding those 88 constellations, meaning that every section of the night sky fell within the region of a recognised constellation.<\/p>\n

This is why a planet, star, galaxy<\/a> or nebula<\/a> may be said to be found within a specific constellation, even if it\u2019s not actually located within the marked star pattern itself.<\/p>\n

In this guide we\u2019ll reveal some of the best constellations visible in the night sky from urban locations, which means that no matter where you are in the northern hemisphere, you should be able to enjoy many of the targets on this list.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also selected some of the best deep-sky objects that can be found within those constellations, giving you incentive to delve deeper into each one with binoculars or a telescope.<\/p>\n

As this is a guide intended for use by city stargazers as well as those lucky enough to live under more remote, dark skies, we\u2019ll start with a word on urban astronomy.<\/p>\n

Observing constellations from urban environments<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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With a bit of careful planning and a light pollution filter, you should be able to get great views of deep-sky objects through your telescope, even from a city. Credit: M-gucci \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Urban astronomy is not for the faint-hearted, but persevere and you will find a <\/span>wealth of celestial treasures that await discovery, even under bright night skies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many deep-sky objects are visible even in brightly lit urban areas.<\/p>\n

Take open star clusters<\/a>, nests of thousands of newborn stars, deep-sky objects which are the least harmed by light pollution<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More tightly packed globular clusters<\/a> are very old and light pollution takes its toll on them.<\/p>\n

While many are visible in the city with smaller aperture telescopes, most are just round smudges with no individual visible stars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Open star cluster M7 by Luis Fernando Parmegiani, S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Galaxies<\/a> can be challenging for urban observers to see. This doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t see them, you just won\u2019t see much detail.<\/p>\n

But diffuse nebulae<\/a> are the objects most harmed by light pollution; even with a high-quality light-pollution reduction (LPR) filter screwed onto the eyepiece, dimmer emission nebulae can be a challenge to see.<\/p>\n

Planetary nebulae<\/a> are not as harmed by light pollution. If they are tricky it\u2019s because they are difficult to distinguish from stars.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide on how to stargaze from a light-polluted city<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Equipment for city astronomy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Telescope<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Omegon MightyMak 60 Mini Dobsonian telescope<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The most important characteristic of a telescope used for deep-sky observing from any site is aperture \u2013 the size of its light-collecting lens or mirror (the \u2018objective\u2019).<\/p>\n

The superior light-gathering power of a larger telescope is even more important in the city.<\/p>\n

From a light-polluted area, you\u2019ll need one with a light-collecting lens or mirror with a diameter of at least 200mm.<\/p>\n

Inexpensive Dobsonian reflecting telescopes are a good balance between price, performance and portability.<\/p>\n

However, a 250mm Dobsonian is almost as affordable and portable, and the extra aperture makes a difference.<\/p>\n

Mount<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Sky-Watcher SolarQuest Solar Go-To tracking mount<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

When it comes to mounts, new observers will find any altaz mount less complicated to use than an equatorial mount.<\/p>\n

A Go-To mount is useful in urban areas: just enter the ID of a deep-sky object into its computer hand control and the scope will move to it.<\/p>\n

Light pollution reduction filters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Flame and Horsehead Nebulae, Claire Bradshaw, Horsham, West Sussex, 5 February 2022<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

LPR filters can also help, but don\u2019t expect even the most expensive one to pull Orion\u2019s dim Horsehead Nebula<\/a> out of an orange sky.<\/p>\n

LPR filters only work on diffuse and planetary nebulae, and they are useless for galaxies and star clusters.<\/p>\n

While they block certain light wavelengths, including those of incandescent, sodium and mercury vapour streetlights, the light of the stars is in the same range of wavelengths.<\/p>\n

Since galaxies and star clusters are made up of stars, they are dimmed by LPR filters rather than enhanced.<\/p>\n

Tips for urban astronomy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Use averted vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Averted vision<\/a> involves looking at objects out of the corner of the eye. By looking to the side of a faint object, you can make it appear brighter and more detailed.<\/p>\n

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Tap the telescope<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Moving objects are generally easier to see in the night sky from a city. If a celestial target is invisible, you can gently tap the telescope tube so it vibrates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Block ambient light<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Turn off any nearby lights, shield the telescope from lights, or drape a dark cloth over your head and eyepiece to allow your eyes to become more dark-adapted.<\/p>\n

Now you\u2019re ready to go, let\u2019s begin our tour of some of the best constellations to see throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter.<\/p>\n

Spring constellations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cancer, the crab<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Open star cluster M67 (mag. +6.9, 30\u2019 across) is located in the eastern part of Cancer, 1\u00b0 44\u2019 west of mag. +4.2 star Acubens (Alpha (\u03b1) Cancri).<\/p>\n

While most open clusters are young, M67 is old \u2013 between 3 to 5 billion years.<\/p>\n

It may not be a spectacular sight, but it is visible from urban and suburban locations and is well-framed in a medium-power eyepiece.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

M44, (mag. +3.1, 1\u00b0 10\u2019 across), is located near the centre of Cancer\u2019s stick figure.<\/p>\n

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M67 \u2013 Open Cluster in Cancer by Bill McSorley, Leeds, UK. Equipment: SW 150P Newtonian, EQ5 GoTo Mount, QHY8L OSC cooled CCD.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Also known as the Beehive Cluster<\/a>, from dark locations M44 is visible as a hazy patch with the naked eye, with 20 stars glowing at mag. +8.0 or brighter.<\/p>\n

The brightest, Epsilon (<\/span>\u03b5<\/span>) Cancri, is nearly visible without optical aid at mag. +6.3.<\/span><\/p>\n

M44 is not <\/span>as impressive in a telescope as you might expect. With a diameter of 1\u00b0 10\u2019, it\u2019s too large to fit in the field of view of low power eyepieces in all but the smallest scopes.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Cancer<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Leo, the lion<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Leo\u2019s galaxy pair, M65 and M66, are both bright enough to shine through even badly light-polluted inner city skies.<\/p>\n

The more western and dimmer of the pair is galaxy M65 (mag. +10.5, 8\u201942\u201d x 2\u201927\u201d).<\/p>\n

M66 (mag. +8.9, 9\u20196\u201d x 4\u201912\u201d) is visually brighter than its companion, despite being larger in size.<\/p>\n

A view through a 300mm telescope will reveal a little detail, but an increased aperture won\u2019t make a big difference in heavy light pollution \u2013 the real improvement comes with darker skies.<\/p>\n

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Leo Triplet, Miroslav Horvat, Petrova Gora, Croatia, 21 April 2017.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In a more suburban location, instruments with an aperture of 250mm or larger can reveal spiral detail in M66, while magnifications of 200x or higher can show hints of mottling on M65\u2019s disc.<\/p>\n

A third, dimmer, nearby galaxy is NGC 3628 (mag. +9.5, 10\u201934\u201d x 2\u201932\u201d), which makes up the \u2018Leo Triplet<\/a>\u2019 with M65 and M66.<\/p>\n

From a suburban area it is easier to see with a 250mm telescope, and on a good night you can see why it is called the Hamburger Galaxy, because an equatorial dust lane slices through its disc \u2013 the \u2018bun\u2019.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the Leo constellation<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Ursa Major, the great bear<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Ursa Major is home to the famous Plough asterism<\/a>. But it is far more than that, as it contains some stunning galaxy targets.<\/p>\n

M82 (mag. +8.4, 11\u201912\u201d x 4\u201918\u201d) is possibly the best galaxy in the northern sky for city observers, because of its favourable magnitude and size.<\/p>\n

Nicknamed the Cigar Galaxy, it is so-called because of its elongated, lens-shaped disc.<\/p>\n

An even better name might be the \u2018Exploding Cigar Galaxy\u2019, because it\u2019s crossed by bright and dark lanes and is throwing off huge clouds of gas.<\/p>\n

Some of these features are visible even to city-bound telescopes.<\/p>\n

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Cigar Galaxy by John Tonks, Pembrokeshire, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

M82 is not actually exploding, it is undergoing massive bouts of star formation and other effects caused by an encounter with a nearby galaxy, most likely M81.<\/p>\n

Its gas and dust have been compressed and hordes of new stars are being born across its disc.<\/p>\n

M81 (mag. +6.9, 26\u201954\u201d x 14\u20196\u201d) is also known as Bode\u2019s Galaxy<\/a> \u2013 after Johann Elert Bode, the German astronomer who discovered it in 1774.<\/p>\n

As its orientation is between face-on and edge-on, its surface brightness is high, and it is easy to see the bright centre of M81 in a small telescope under a light-polluted sky.<\/p>\n

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M97 Owl Nebula by Mark Griffith, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In Ursa Major, you can also look for M97 (mag. +9.9, 3\u201924\u201d x 3\u201918\u201d), the Owl Nebula<\/a>, just below the Plough asterism.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a large, round, planetary nebula with two dark spots that represent the Owl\u2019s eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Light pollution takes its toll on nebulae; while M97 is not overly dim or large, you will need an OIII (Oxygen) filter to see it if you are using a 300mm telescope in the city or further out in the suburbs.<\/p>\n

Canes Venatici, the hunting dogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M51 and its smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195 (combined mag. +8.1, 11\u201912\u201d x 6\u201954\u201d) are known collectively as the Whirlpool Galaxy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Low surface brightness, caused by the orientation of M51, means it can be tricky to see, but it is always detectable.<\/p>\n

M51 is located just over the Ursa Major\u2013Canes Venatici border, 3\u00b051\u2019 north of the bright star Alkaid (Eta (\u03b7) Ursae Majoris), the \u2018end\u2019 star in the Plough asterism.<\/p>\n

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NGC4736 (M94) LRGB by Chris Heapy, Macclesfield, UK. Equipment: Orion Optics ODK12, Atik490EX, 10-Micron GM2000HPS, Baader LRGB.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

M94 (mag. +8.2, 11\u201912\u201d x 9\u20196\u201d) is a spiral galaxy, located halfway along and 1 arcminute northeast of a line drawn between the stars Chara (Beta (\u03b2) Canum Venaticorum) and Cor Caroli (Alpha (\u03b1) Canum Venaticorum).<\/p>\n

It is so bright and prominent that it is visible on the poorest nights, thanks to an intense bout of star formation in its inner regions that results in a central area less than 1 arcminute in diameter that shines intensely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to Canes Venatici<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Coma Berenices<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M64, the Black Eye Galaxy<\/a> (mag. +8.6, 10\u201942\u201d x 5\u20197\u201d) is one of the most beautiful objects in the northern sky, despite its unimpressive specifications.<\/p>\n

From the city it can be observed with a 100mm reflector, but there will be no hint of the dark patch of dust near its centre that earns it its Black Eye moniker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Needle Galaxy, NGC 4565, by Simon Watts, Farnham, Surrey, 22 February 2022<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

NGC 4565 (mag. +10.4, 15\u201954\u201d x 1\u2019) the Needle Galaxy<\/a>, has a dim magnitude value that is offset by its shape \u2013 edge-on, with a long, thin, needle-like disc.<\/p>\n

Its thin body keeps its surface brightness high.<\/p>\n

M100 (mag. +9.3, 7\u201924\u201d x 6\u201918\u201d) is a face-on spiral galaxy. It\u2019s not large and its surface brightness is low due to its face-on <\/span>orientation.<\/p>\n

A good night can show some hints of detail, while a 12mm eyepiece at 150x magnification can show mottling.<\/p>\n

One of Coma\u2019s best objects is M53 (mag. +8.3, 13\u2019 across). An attractive globular cluster, it\u2019s easy to see from a city with a 150mm telescope.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to Coma Berenices<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Virgo, the Virgin<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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In the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin, we begin with M90 (mag. +9.5, 9\u201930\u201d x 4\u201924\u201d), an attractive intermediate inclination galaxy.<\/p>\n

It has a bright, large core surrounded by a slightly dimmer, dusty central region set in a still dimmer disc that features prominent spiral arms.<\/p>\n

Bear in mind, however, that from a city, even with a 300mm telescope M90 may be a disappointing compared to its neighbours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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M90. Credit: Michael Breite, Stefan Heutz, Wolfgang Ries \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Not far from M90 is M89 (mag. +9.8, 5\u20196\u201d across), which is a perfectly round elliptical.<\/p>\n

In the city, with a 300mm telescope, the galaxy is bright with a star-like nucleus. In the suburbs, M89 is an easy catch for a 100mm refractor.<\/p>\n

M84 (mag. +10.1, 6\u201930\u201d x 5\u201936\u201d) is a giant elliptical galaxy, without spiral arms or any visual details beyond a brighter central region.<\/p>\n

Detail or not, in the eyepiece this galaxy is a wonder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll know that you\u2019ve hit on M84 because of the presence of another, slightly dimmer, elliptical galaxy in the field, M86 (mag. +9.2, 8\u201954\u201d x 5\u201948\u201d).<\/p>\n

This galaxy is only 17 arcminutes to the west, so it\u2019s easy to fit the two into the field of an eyepiece with 150x magnification, which is a good power to use in Virgo if you\u2019re observing from a city.<\/p>\n

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M86. Credit: Michael Breite, Stefan Heutz, Wolfgang Ries \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Looking at M86\u2019s magnitude, you would expect it to be noticeably brighter than its companion.<\/p>\n

However, it actually appears dimmer than M84, as it is more elongated (although it looks round, visually).<\/p>\n

The easiest galaxy to see in the constellation of Virgo is probably M86, but it\u2019s closely followed by the huge elliptical galaxy M87 (mag. +9.6, 7\u201912\u201d x 6\u201948\u201d).<\/p>\n

\u2018Huge\u2019 doesn\u2019t even begin to describe this monster, which has a mass of over a trillion suns.<\/p>\n

Despite its gigantic size, in reality it\u2019s only a bit larger than M86 in the eyepiece. It has a brighter magnitude, but always looks dimmer.<\/p>\n

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M104 Sombero Galaxy by Mark Griffith, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK. Equipment: Teleskop service 12\u2033 Richey-Chretien telescope, Skywatcher EQ8 mount,Atik 383L+ camera, Astronomik LRGB filters, Hutech IDAS light pollution filter.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Finally, M104 (mag. +8.0, 8\u201942\u201d x 3\u201930\u201d) is the famous Sombrero Galaxy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Located in the southeastern area of the constellation, it is away from the main body of the Virgo Cluster<\/a> that lies between the \u2018arms\u2019 of the Maiden, within the arms of the \u2018Y\u2019 of Virgo\u2019s stick figure.<\/p>\n

In images, this edge-on galaxy features a prominent equatorial dust lane and a large central bulge that makes it look like a sombrero hat.<\/p>\n

Summer constellations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hercules, the hero<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Hercules is a\u00a0well-known home of stunning globular clusters<\/a>.\u00a0The constellation may be on the dim side, but its premier deep sky object, M13<\/b><\/span> (mag. +5.8, 20\u2019 across) is not.<\/p>\n

Even a beginner with a non-computerised telescope mount won\u2019t have much trouble finding it, roughly midway between the line connecting the two westernmost stars of the Keystone \u2013 the lopsided square at the star-pattern\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

But, while M13 is bright, it is also compact. A 200-250mm telescope turns this \u2018smudge\u2019 into a beautiful ball of stars in the brightest skies.<\/p>\n

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M13, The Great Hercules Cluster, by Patrick Cosgrove, Honeoye Falls, New York, USA.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Another notable globular star cluster is M92<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.4, 14\u2019 across), which lies away from the Keystone in the northern part of the constellation.<\/p>\n

While it is actually more tightly concentrated than M13, M92 seems easier to resolve \u2013 perhaps because the core isn\u2019t as overwhelmingly bright as that of M13.<\/p>\n

In a 130mm telescope from a suburban location, M92 can appear resolved almost to its centre on a dry summer\u2019s evening when the air is steady.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the Hercules constellation<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Lyra, the lyre<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Even in the worst urban light pollution, M57<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.8, 3\u201948\u201dx2\u201924\u201d), the famous Ring Nebula<\/a>, is a good target for an 80-100mm telescope, but its shape only becomes evident with an aperture of 150mm or more.<\/p>\n

A 250mm telescope shows brightness variations in its nebulosity and reveals a faint star embedded in the southwestern end of the ring\u2019s disk.<\/p>\n

The holy grail is M57\u2019s central star, the white dwarf left over from the dead sun that created the nebula.<\/p>\n

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Ring Nebula 23 May 2013. This image shows the turbulent region around the nebula. Credit: Hubble data: NASA, ESA, C. Robert O\u2019Dell (Vanderbilt University), and David Thompson (LBTO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Globular cluster M56<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.8, 8\u201948\u201d), in the eastern part of Lyra near the border with Cygnus, is often overlooked.<\/p>\n

Its small, dim stars are spread far apart, making it more like a rich but dim open cluster.<\/p>\n

Lyra\u2019s final urban wonder is not a deep sky object, but a multiple star, the famous Double-Double, Epsilon (<\/b><\/span>\u03b5<\/span>) Lyrae<\/b><\/span><\/a>, located 1\u00b036\u2019 northeast of Vega<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Globular Cluster M56 by Ron Brecher, Ontario, Canada.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

At low power an attractive double star is visible, two suns separated by a wide 208\u201d.<\/p>\n

Increase magnification to 200-250x, however, and both of the stars are revealed as doubles themselves.<\/p>\n

The northernmost pair, \u03b51<\/sup><\/span>, is separated by 2.78\u201d, while the stars of \u03b52<\/sup><\/span> to the south are 2.4\u201d apart.<\/p>\n

Cygnus, the Swan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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One of the best planetary nebulae, NGC 6826<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.8, 8\u201924\u201d across), the Blinking Planetary, is located not far from the tip of Cygnus\u2019s western wing.<\/p>\n

Even with a 100mm telescope, under light-polluted conditions it is impossible to see the round nebulae or its mag. +10 central star using direct vision.<\/p>\n

But practice averted vision \u2013 looking off to the side rather than directly at it \u2013 and the round nebulosity around the star springs into view.<\/p>\n

Alternate rapidly between direct and averted vision and the nebulosity blinks on and off.<\/p>\n

Cygnus is home to two open star clusters. M29<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.6, 10\u2019 across) is located near the junction of Cygnus\u2019 wings and body.<\/p>\n

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M29 by Simon Fletcher, Birmingham, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

North of M29 by 14\u00b050\u2019, and well away from the body of the Swan, is M39<\/b><\/span> (mag. +4.6, 31\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

The legendary Veil Nebula<\/a> (NGC 6992\/6960<\/b><\/span>) is two separate arcs of nebulosity, only visible with an OIII filter.<\/p>\n

The first of the Veil\u2019s two nebulous arcs, NGC 6960, often referred to as the Witch\u2019s Broom Nebula, is easy to locate without a computer since this 3\u00b030\u2019 x 2\u00b040\u2019 streak of gas passes through a bright, mag. +4.2 star 52 Cygni.<\/p>\n

Although the given magnitude for the Witch\u2019s Broom is +7.0, its large size means its surface brightness is extremely low.<\/p>\n

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Witch\u2019s Broom by Jeff Whitehill, Windsor, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The other main component of the Veil, NGC 6992, forms a 3\u00b050\u2019 x 2\u00b040\u2019 arc, 2\u00b030\u2019 northeast of the Witch\u2019s Broom.<\/p>\n

This half of the Veil is referred to as the Bridal Veil Nebula thanks to its intricate, lacy structure. On a good night it can begin to give up significant detail to telescopes with an aperture of 250mm or more.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Cygnus<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Vulpecula<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Dumbell Nebula by Ron Brecher, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Vulpecula, the Little Fox, is unimpressive, but it is home to M27<\/b><\/span> (mag. +7.4, 8\u2019 x 5\u201936\u201d), the Dumbbell Nebula<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only is M27 bright and bold, it is large for a planetary nebula, making it one of the best for Northern Hemisphere observers.<\/p>\n

Lower magnifications reveal substantial detail and make the Dumbbell a great target for smaller telescopes.<\/p>\n

Delphinus, the dolphin<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The main object of interest in the small constellation Delphinus, the Dolphin, is a globular cluster, NGC 6934<\/b><\/span>\n(mag. +8.8, 8\u201924\u201d across).<\/p>\n

Even with a 300mm telescope, it appears as an unresolved fuzzball, but it is set in a field rich with stars.<\/p>\n

In the suburbs, a magnification of 187x begins to resolve individual stars around the periphery of the cluster.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Delphinus<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Once thought to resemble Asclepius the physician, Ophiuchus looks like a lopsided house drawn by a child. Nevertheless, there are wonders aplenty here.<\/p>\n

Ophiuchus\u2019s main attractions are globular clusters, beginning with the famed Twin Globs.<\/p>\n

M10<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.4, 20\u2019 across) is a treat. With a 280mm telescope, it is resolved to its core and shows hordes of tiny stars.<\/p>\n

M12<\/b><\/span> (mag. +7.6, 16\u2019 across), which lies northwest of M10, is bright and compact, but fewer stars and a looser structure make it appear dimmer than the magnitude figure suggests.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Ophiuchus<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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M10, by G\u00fcnter Kerschhuber. Credit: G\u00fcnter Kerschhuber \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Serpens<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M5. Manfred Wasshuber \/ CCD Guide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Serpens is actually two constellations, Serpens Caput (the head) and Serpens Cauda (the tail).<\/p>\n

While the tail is far to the south and doesn\u2019t hold much of interest, the head is a different story, containing one of the best globulars visible from northern latitudes: M5<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.6 and 23\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

M5\u2019s statistics alone hint at what a spectacle it is.<\/p>\n

While it is slightly dimmer than M13 and its concentration is about the same, M5 is easier to resolve in any telescope, and is just visible with the naked eye under perfect conditions.<\/p>\n

Scutum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M11<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.3, 14\u2019 across), the Wild Duck Cluster, is a bright open star cluster.<\/p>\n

As its surface brightness is high, it is easy to make out with a 75mm telescope under poor city skies.<\/p>\n

Indeed, enough stars should be visible to make clear why this object is the Wild Duck \u2013 triangular in shape, suggesting a flight of ducks.<\/p>\n

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M11, captured with the Meade LX65 Series 8-inch ACF telescope.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Scutum\u2019s other Messier open cluster is M26<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8, 10\u2019 across), a group of stars whose magnitude and size make it sound like a good catch.<\/p>\n

However, it turns out to be a major disappointment. A 150mm telescope shows a scattering of at most 10 faint stars and one slightly brighter sun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Globular cluster NGC 6712<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.7, 2\u201930\u201d across), just to the east of Scutum\u2019s stick figure, isn\u2019t anything special in itself, but the field it is set in is incredibly rich \u2013 packed with stars, it is almost difficult to tell where the outer stars of the cluster stop and background stars begin.<\/p>\n

NGC 6712 is visible in the city, and a 300mm telescope may resolve some stars, but its beauty is reduced since the field is no longer as rich with suns as it is from darker skies.<\/p>\n

Sagittarius, the archer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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While the constellation doesn\u2019t look anything like the centaur archer of mythology \u2013 it looks more like a teapot with a perfect lid and spout \u2013it is home to some bright, legendary objects.<\/p>\n

M22<\/b><\/span> (mag. +5.1, 32\u2019 across), the Great Globular in Sagittarius, is an example of an object that makes a visit to the south of England worthwhile.<\/p>\n

Its highest altitude from the latitude of London is less than 15\u00b0, but it is large and easily visible in smaller telescopes.<\/p>\n

With a 280mm telescope its oval shape becomes evident and its loose central core becomes visible.<\/p>\n

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M22 \u2013 Globular Cluster by Ronald Piacenti Junior, Norma Observatory, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Elsewhere, the star cluster NGC 6530<\/b><\/span> is loose but attractive, and is composed of about a dozen bright stars.<\/p>\n

It appears to be embedded in the nebulosity of M8, the Lagoon Nebula, but is thought to actually be a foreground object.<\/p>\n

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The Trifid Nebula by Adriano Almeida, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Sagittarius\u2019s other famous nebula, M20<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.6, 30\u2019 across), the Trifid Nebula, is badly hurt by its low altitude.<\/p>\n

Despite having a fairly high magnitude and being reasonably large, its faintness is due to the fact that some of the Trifid is reflection nebulosity, which is more difficult to see than emission nebulosity from light-polluted areas.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Sagittarius<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Autumn constellations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pegasus, the flying horse<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Pegasus\u2019s Great Square<\/a> \u2013 three bright stars in Pegasus, one in Andromeda \u2013 is easy to spot.<\/p>\n

Extending from the Square\u2019s southwest corner is a line of stars that represents the Horse\u2019s neck and head, terminating in brilliant mag. +2.3 Enif (Epsilon (\u03b5<\/span>) Pegasi), Pegasus\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

Just 4\u02da northwest of this is target number one, globular star cluster M15<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.3, 18\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

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M15 Globular Cluster by Mark Griffith, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Although it\u2019s easy to see, resolving its stars is difficult for smaller instruments.<\/p>\n

In the city, what is visible depends on your telescope\u2019s aperture: the larger the better.<\/p>\n

The most impressive thing about M15 is its bright core.<\/p>\n

Most groups of galaxies in Pegasus are faint, but spiral galaxy NGC 7331<\/b><\/span> (mag. +9.48, 10\u201910\u201d x 3\u201942\u201d) can be seen by urban astronomers.<\/p>\n

Andromeda, the maiden<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M31<\/b><\/span> (mag. +3.4, 3<\/span>\u00b09\u2019 x 1<\/span>\u00b01\u2019) is so bright it can be seen with the naked eye, even in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Located 7<\/span>\u02da30\u2019 northwest of mag. +2.0 star Mirach<\/a> (Beta (<\/span>\u03b2<\/span>) Andromedae), M31 is so large you\u2019ll need binoculars or the widest field telescope.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the suburbs, it\u2019s possible to glimpse its spiral structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 12-inch or larger reflector reveals a bright star cloud near its southwestern tip: <\/span>NGC 206<\/b><\/span>, an oval, 3\u2019-long brightening of the galaxy\u2019s nebulosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

In suburban skies, 8-to 12-inch telescopes reveal one of M31\u2019s many globular star clusters, mag. +13.8 <\/span>G1<\/b><\/span>, also known as Mayall 1.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Like the Milky Way, M31 has a number of smaller galaxies orbiting it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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M32. Credit: Michael Breite, Stefan Heutz, Wolfgang Ries \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The brightest, <\/span>M32<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.0, 8\u201930\u201d x 6\u201930\u201d), lies 24\u2019 south of its big sibling. It\u2019s easy to see in 3-inch refractors in the city and in 50mm binoculars from darker sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

M31\u2019s other bright companion, <\/span>M110<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.0, 21\u201954\u201d x 11\u2019), is difficult to see with reflectors of 4-inch aperture, but easier to view with a 6-inch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the outstanding planetary nebula <\/span>NGC 7662<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.3, 20\u201d x 15\u201d) is easy to see from the city, even in 3-inch refractors, if you use 200\u2013300x magnification.<\/span><\/p>\n

Triangulum, the triangle<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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While its stick figure \u2013 a triangle of 3rd and 4th magnitude stars \u2013 doesn\u2019t stand out, Triangulum should be visible in most urban skies if you know where to look and you\u2019ve allowed it to climb high in the sky.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s more than can be said for the much larger constellation it lies next to, Pisces, the Fishes.<\/p>\n

An attractive constellation from darker skies, Pisces\u2019s member stars are mostly faint, near mag. +5.0, and thus the Fishes suffers in city skies and may be completely invisible.<\/p>\n

The deep-sky objects it does contain are equally faint and difficult to realise from the city and suburbs.<\/p>\n

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Triangulum Galaxy by Aidan Guerra, Vacaville, California, USA.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Triangulum, however, contains one of the most beautiful galaxies in the sky, M33<\/b><\/span> (mag. +5.7, 68\u201942\u201d x 41\u201936\u201d), the Triangulum Galaxy<\/a>, with wide-open spiral arms and a near face-on orientation.<\/p>\n

But it is difficult to see in the city and any moisture in the air will make viewing the spiral arms almost impossible.<\/p>\n

A UHC-type nebula filter can help and may even reveal a small bright patch on the northeastern edge of the spiral, M33\u2019s titanic nebula NGC 604<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the Triangulum constellation<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Cassiopeia, the queen<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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First up is an interesting cluster, NGC 457<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.4, 20\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

Once you have it in the eyepiece, you\u2019ll understand how it got its nickname, the ET Cluster.<\/p>\n

This medium-sized group of stars forms a little stick figure with an upraised arm that seems to be waving across the lightyears.<\/p>\n

The googly eyes, one of which is mag. +4.95 star Phi (<\/b><\/span>\u03c6<\/span>) Cassiopeiae<\/b><\/span>, do suggest a comical extraterrestrial.<\/p>\n

There is a red star in ET\u2019s right armpit that makes the cluster look even more attractive.<\/p>\n

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A red giant lies in the centre of open cluster M103, surrounded by a number of young, hot blue stars. Credit: Michael Deger \/ ccdguide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

M103<\/b><\/span> (mag. +7.4, 6\u2019 across) has 40 stars, but expect to see up to 15 from light-polluted areas, depending on aperture.<\/p>\n

Luckily, M103\u2019s few suns, which form an equilateral triangle, are scattered across a small area, so it looks rich in the eyepiece.<\/p>\n

M103 is better from urban rather than dark sites, as out of the city the cluster melts into the star-rich background.<\/p>\n

M52<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.9, 16\u2019 across), west of Cassiopeia\u2019s \u2018W\u2019, is far better, showing as a larger, brighter and richer circle of at least 20 stars with a 3-to 4-inch refractor.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Cassiopeia<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Cepheus, the king<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The emission nebulae of Cepheus are a challenge for urban observers, but there is one good planetary nebula in the constellation: NGC 40<\/b><\/span> (mag. +10.9, 37\u201d across), the Bowtie Nebula.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s formed by two arcs of material opposite each other around the mag. +11.6 central star, which form the tie\u2019s knot.<\/p>\n

The Bowtie\u2019s magnitude sounds forbidding, but that is not a problem as it is small but bright.<\/p>\n

Perseus, the hero<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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This constellation, which represents the hero of the Andromeda myth, is not only distinctive in urban skies, being blessed with numerous bright stars, it holds one\nof the most beautiful deep-sky objects in the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perseus\u2019s treasure is actually two objects, bright open star clusters <\/span>NGC 869<\/b><\/span> (mag. +3.8, 30\u2019 across) and <\/span>NGC 884<\/b><\/span> (mag. +3.8, 30\u2019 across).<\/span><\/p>\n

Bold in a small telescope, they sit just 25\u2019 apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the famous <\/span>Double Cluster<\/b><\/span><\/a>. NGC 869 shows 30 stars to a 2-inch refractor under most conditions, while NGC 884 looks slightly less rich and is also more noticeably elongated.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Double Cluster in Perseus by Shawn Nielsen, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

M76<\/b><\/span> (mag. +10.1, 3\u20197\u201d x 2\u20193\u201d), the Little Dumbbell Nebula, isn\u2019t bright but it\u2019s not large either, so its light is concentrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

It actually looks more like a dumbbell than its more famous relative, M27, the Dumbbell Nebula.<\/span><\/p>\n

With increased aperture, say a 12-inch reflector, M76 gives up more nebulosity and begins to resemble a rectangle rather than two round spots.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Little Dumbbell M76 by Martin Bailey, Gnosall, Staffs. UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

On the best nights, arcs of nebulosity connecting the two lobes become visible.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the north of Perseus is a place of open clusters, the southern half is littered with galaxies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most are beyond the range of urban astronomers with small telescopes, except for one: lenticular galaxy <\/span>NGC 1023<\/b><\/span> (mag. +10.2, 4\u201946\u201d x 2\u201911\u201d) shines through heavy light pollution and is visible with a 4-inch refractor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aquarius, the water bearer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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M2<\/b><\/span> (mag. +6.3, 16\u2019 across) rivals the best globular star clusters of autumn.<\/p>\n

In the city, it takes reflectors of 10-inch aperture to resolve the many stars ringing the bright core, but even a 4-inch version provides tantalising views.<\/p>\n

NGC 7009<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.0, 41\u201d x 34\u201d), the Saturn Nebula, was given its nickname by its discoverer Sir William Herschel<\/a> in the 18th century.<\/p>\n

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The Saturn Nebula, NGC 7009 by Fernando Oliveira de Menezes, Jales, S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

With enough aperture and magnification, it does look a little like Saturn when its rings are edge-on.<\/p>\n

NGC 7293<\/b><\/span> (mag. +7.6, 25\u2019 across), the Helix Nebula, is a great ring of nebulosity that is worth viewing.<\/p>\n

An OIII filter shows the nebula\u2019s dark centre and averted vision reveals mottling in the ring and hints of the streamers that give the Helix its name.<\/p>\n

Cetus, the whale<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Cetus lies close to the horizon, although the area that contains M77<\/b><\/span> (mag. +8.8, 7\u2019 across) is slightly higher.<\/p>\n

M77 is a Seyfert galaxy, meaning it has a very bright core due to a massive black hole at its centre.<\/p>\n

In a 3- or 4-inch reflector, it shows a small, bright central region when using 100x magnification and upwards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Capricornus, the sea goat<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Sea Goat is often masked by smoke and haze near the horizon \u2013 the constellation never gets much higher than 25\u00b0.<\/p>\n

But it contains M30<\/b><\/span> (mag. +7.7, 12\u2019 across) which is easy to see with a 6-inch or larger refractor from badly light-polluted areas.<\/p>\n

From the suburbs, with a 12-inch refractor and 150x magnification, two streams of stars extend from the cluster, looking like the horns of a goat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taurus, the bull<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The V-shaped pattern of the face of the Bull is formed from the brightest stars of an open cluster, the Hyades<\/b><\/span><\/a> (mag. +0.5, 5\u00b030\u2019).<\/p>\n

It is so large because it is so close to Earth \u2013 only 151 lightyears away.<\/p>\n

The size of the group means it\u2019s best suited to small, short focal length telescopes and binoculars.<\/p>\n

M1 <\/b><\/span>(mag. +8.4, 4\u2019 across), the Crab Nebula<\/a>, was the first object to make it on to Charles Messier<\/a>\u2019s list.<\/p>\n

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M1, the Crab Nebula. Credit: Dieter Retzl \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

While it is easy to find, only 1\u00b0 northwest of star Beta (\u03b2<\/span>) Tauri, which forms one of the corners of Auriga\u2019s pentagon, it is badly compromised by light pollution.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a telescope or a Go-To system to locate M45<\/b><\/span> (mag. +1.2, 2\u00b0), the justly famous Pleiades<\/a> \u2013 it is a brilliant open cluster.<\/p>\n

It can be mistaken for Ursa Minor\u2019s Little Dipper asterism; its brightest stars are arranged in a similar, vaguely dipper-like shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The rise of M45, the Pleiades, heralds the end of autumn and the advent of winter.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Taurus<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Winter constellations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Auriga, the charioteer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The sprawling pentagon stick-figure of Auriga is home to both open star clusters and diffuse nebulae.<\/p>\n

All its nebulae are faint and mostly invisible to urban astronomers, but it is blessed with three beautiful Messier clusters.<\/p>\n

The great open cluster M37 (mag. +5.6, 15\u2019 across) is one of the few deep-sky objects that looks wonderful in any telescope under almost any conditions.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not too large for medium aperture, medium-focal-length telescopes (the larger the focal length of a telescope, the smaller its field of view), but also not so small as to fade into the background in smaller, shorter-focal-length instruments.<\/p>\n

M37 lies just outside Auriga\u2019s stick figure to the east of a line drawn between bright Mahasim (Theta (\u03b8<\/span>) Aurigae) and Elnath (Beta (\u03b2) Tauri; this \u2018fifth\u2019 star in Auriga\u2019s pentagon actually belongs to Taurus).<\/p>\n

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M37 Open Cluster by Houssem Ksontini, Tunisia.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

M36 (mag. +6, 10\u2019 across) is also an impressive open cluster, 3\u00b041\u2019 northwest of M37. Bright and compact, it packs a lot of bright stars into a small area. In a 10-inch reflector, it is slightly oval in shape and festooned with bright suns.<\/p>\n

A further 2\u00b018\u2019 northwest is the third of the Auriga Trio of open clusters, M38 (mag. +6.4, 15\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

M38 is rich with brilliant stars, arranged in lines and streamers extending from the centre, hence its name, the Starfish Cluster. In a low-power eyepiece, M38 looks like a cosmic starfish in a dark sea of night.<\/p>\n

NGC 1907 (mag. +8.2, 5\u2019 across) is a dim open cluster, located 32\u2019 southwest of M38. With 8 inches of aperture, you\u2019ll see it even in fairly heavy light pollution \u2013 although it will look like a nebulous spot rather than a star cluster.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Auriga<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Orion, the hunter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Not only does Orion, the Hunter look like what it\u2019s supposed to depict \u2013 a huge human figure with a belt and sword \u2013 but its stars, which include bright Betelgeuse<\/a> and Rigel<\/a>, also show up well even in heavy light pollution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The premier deep-sky object of the Northern Hemisphere is M42 (mag. +4, 1\u00b0 x 1\u00b030\u2019), the Orion Nebula<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This naked-eye object in Orion\u2019s sword is obvious even in the worst city skies.<\/p>\n

While city observers won\u2019t see anything close to the nebula\u2019s extent as it is visible from dark skies, they should keep the field of the telescope wide enough to take in as much as possible of the spectacle.<\/p>\n

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The Orion and Running Man Nebulae by Simon Worger, Hampshire, 26 and 27 February 2022<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

A relatively mild filter like a UHC-type can help, and an OIII filter will reveal some details that are invisible without it.<\/p>\n

M43 (mag. +9, 20\u2019 x 15\u2019) is a detached portion of M42 that is bright enough to have received its own M-number.<\/p>\n

M43 is easy to find, located on the northern side of the Orion Nebula. In the city, the most noticeable thing in the area is the bright star that M43 surrounds, mag. +6.7 Nu (\u03bd<\/span>) Orionis<\/p>\n

Increase magnification to 100\u2013150x, however, and some nebulosity should become visible. On the best evenings, streaks of dark nebulosity may become visible crossing M43, especially on its eastern side.<\/p>\n

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M42 and M43 Close Up by Patrick, CA, USA.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

There is one other reasonably bright cloud in Orion, M78 (mag. +8, 8\u2019 x 6\u2019), a reflection nebula in the northeast of the constellation about 2\u00b0 northeast of bright Alnitak (Zeta (\u03b6) Orionis), the easternmost star in Orion\u2019s Belt<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On good evenings, M78 begins to look rectangular rather than oval, and the nebulosity extends further out from the stars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Orion is also a place of open clusters. So many groupings crowd each other in the area that it is sometimes difficult to tell where one ends and another begins.<\/p>\n

This is the case for NGC 2175 (mag. +6.8, 40\u2019 x 30\u2019) in the northeastern part of the constellation, not far from the end of the Hunter\u2019s uplifted club.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Monkey Head Nebula by Andrei Pleskatsevich, Minsk, Belarus, 12 January 2022.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

NGC 2175 is on the bland side, but the Monkey Head Nebula that envelops the cluster and extends south is not.<\/p>\n

Finally, M42\u2019s Trapezium Cluster, Theta1<\/sup> (\u03b8<\/span>1<\/sup>) Orionis, is a remarkable quadruple star \u2013 four suns forming a skewed rectangle, a trapezoid. The group is located within M42\u2019s nebulosity, 13\u2019 southeast of Nu Orionis.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the Orion constellation<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Monoceros, the unicorn<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Monoceros lies just east of Orion. In heavy light pollution, its stars may be difficult to see \u2013 the brightest sun is a puny mag. +3.9. But there are deep-sky riches waiting to be teased out.<\/p>\n

The beautiful Rosette Nebula<\/a>, NGC 2237 (mag. +5.5, 1\u00b020\u2019 x 1\u00b0) is a great, glowing ring of emission nebulosity with a dark centre that looks like a huge Christmas wreath \u2013 but it can be challenging to see.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find that an OIII-type light pollution filter<\/a> is the key to seeing the Rosette.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the centre of the Rosette is the beautiful open star cluster NGC 2244 (mag. +4.8, 24\u2019 across).<\/p>\n

Unlike the nebula, the cluster is not difficult to see \u2013 a bright scattering of stars that form a roughly dipper-shaped asterism.<\/p>\n

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The Rosette Nebula by Nigel Arnold, York, 4\u201314 January 2022<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Monoceros has a Christmas tree to go with the wreath. NGC 2264 (mag. +3.9, 10\u2019 x 7\u2019), the Christmas Tree Cluster<\/a>, is a group of 30\u201340 bright stars that form (with a little imagination) a recognisable tree shape.<\/p>\n

The area of the Christmas Tree Cluster is also an area of nebulosity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

M50 (mag. +5.9, 15\u2019 across), known as the Heart-Shaped Cluster, lies not far from the border with neighbouring Canis Major.<\/p>\n

A red star near the cluster\u2019s centre provides a nice contrast with M50\u2019s many blue-white suns.<\/p>\n

The grouping is known as the Heart-Shaped Cluster because its arcs of stars form an identifiable Valentine\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

For mor advice, read our guide to the constellation Monoceros<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Gemini, the twins<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What makes Gemini stand out is the presence of two bright and beautiful stars only 4.5\u00b0 apart, Castor and Pollux<\/a> (mag. +1.9 and mag. +1.1, respectively).<\/p>\n

These stars form the heads of the legendary twins, and a stream of bright stars extends south from each.<\/p>\n

The best way to visualise Gemini is as a huge \u2018U\u2019 lying on its side.<\/p>\n

M35 (mag. +5.2, 25\u2019 across), located at the southern end of the constellation at the \u2018foot\u2019 of Castor, the western twin, is one of the finest star clusters in the sky.<\/p>\n

Easy to find even with a small telescope in heavy light pollution, M35 is a round, dense crowd of bright sparklers almost as large as the full Moon \u2013 its brightest stars are mag. +8.0.<\/p>\n

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NGC 2158 and M35 by Jaspal Chadha, London, UK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

NGC 2158 (mag. +8.6, 5\u2019 across) is an open star cluster located only 27\u2019 southwest of the centre of M35. Despite its closeness to the big cluster, the two are not actually associated.<\/p>\n

NGC 2158 is 13,000 lightyears out in space, compared to a distance of \u2018only\u2019 2,800 lightyears for M35.<\/p>\n

Their placement alongside each other is just a line-of-sight effect. NGC 2158 is a cluster that cries out for aperture.<\/p>\n

Planetary nebula NGC 2392 (mag. +3.5, 48\u201d across) is located a little less than halfway down the constellation, 2\u00b021\u2019 east-southeast of the bright star Delta (\u03b4) Geminorum (Wasat).<\/p>\n

Its small size means it can be mistaken for a star.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
NGC 2392. Credit: Dieter Retzl \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

On a good night, 250x magnification will resolve the mag. +10.5 central star, while going up to 300x reveals hints of an inner ring, what\u2019s been described as looking like the \u2018furry hood\u2019 of a parka coat, a detail that is more visible in photographs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiral galaxy NGC 2339 (mag. +12.3, 2.4\u2019 across) is on the eastern side of the constellation, 4\u00b013\u2019 southwest of mag. +3.5 Wasat.<\/p>\n

Observing this galaxy requires patience, a good night in the suburbs and at least 10 inches of aperture.<\/p>\n

For more advice read our guide to the constellation Gemini<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Canis Major, the big dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Although it never gets high enough in the sky to rival other open clusters, M41 (mag. +4.5, 39\u2019 x 39\u2019), the Little Beehive Cluster, is still a marvel \u2013 a large group of 60 stars spread across an area larger than the full Moon.<\/p>\n

Most of M41\u2019s suns are bright, making it a naked-eye object from sufficiently dark sites.<\/p>\n

Luckily, M41 is located in the more northerly area of the constellation, 4\u00b0 south of Sirius, and is somewhat away from the haze of the horizon.<\/p>\n

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M41. Credit: Harald Strau\u00df \/ CCDGuide.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

To improve the appearance of this group in the city, try using a mild light-pollution filter, a \u2018Skyglow\u2019 or \u2018Deep Sky\u2019-type filter.<\/p>\n

This has the effect of darkening the background a bit, but not dimming the bright cluster stars too much. One of M41\u2019s more striking features is the strongly orange-red sun near the cluster\u2019s centre.<\/p>\n

The outstanding nebula, NGC 2359 (mag. +11.5, 10\u2019 x 10\u2019), Thor\u2019s Helmet Nebula<\/a>, is a faint cloud of ionised gas.<\/p>\n

Thrown off by a Wolf\u2013Rayet star, this cloud of gas is just visible from urban sites using a 12-inch Dobsonian reflector and a UHC filter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Thor\u2019s Helmet Nebula by Dan Crowson, Animas, New Mexico, USA.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

NGC 2362 (mag. +4.1, 8\u2019 x 8\u2019) requires a trip to the far south, to a declination of \u201324\u00b057\u2019.<\/p>\n

At best, this cluster only climbs 13\u00b0 or less into the UK skies, so wait until it is on the local meridian, when it is as high as it gets, before attempting to observe it.<\/p>\n

Like most open clusters, NGC 2362 is not difficult to catch, and its 20 to 30 stars are obvious in the eyepiece even when it is at low altitude in the sky.<\/p>\n

In the midst of NGC 2362 is bright-yellow mag. +4.3 Tau (\u03c4<\/span>) Canis Majoris, the Jumping Spider Star.<\/p>\n

Due to contrast effects, when you jiggle the telescope, the halo of tiny amber suns surrounding Tau appear to move in one direction, while Tau seems to move in the opposite direction \u2013 the spider jumps!<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide to the constellation Canis Major<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This article originally appeared in the April 2022, July 2022, October 2022 and January 2023 issues of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.<\/strong><\/em><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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