Deep-Sky Objects

Deep-sky objects are celestial objects that exist outside our solar system. Three major types of deep-sky objects are nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.

A photograph of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex. The image is dominated by swirling nebulae in various colors — yellows, blues, and hints of red and pink. At lower left lies the star Antares, enveloped by a golden yellow cloud. In the upper right is Rho Ophiuchi, surrounded by a blue reflection nebula. The background is filled with countless stars of varying brightness. Dark dust lanes create striking contrasts throughout the image, particularly in the center. The overall effect is a rich, colorful cosmic tapestry of gas, dust, and stars.

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

The colors of Rho Ophiuchi: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

The North America and Pelican nebulae: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing, Planets

Spy two planets in the Bull: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing, The Moon

Spot the Moon and the Pleiades: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Four “bright” members of the Boötes Void hover around 15th magnitude. Each field measures 5' on one side. Credit: Digital sky survey

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

You can see something in a void. Explore a ‘holy grail’ of astronomy

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

The Eagle and the Omega: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

Explore the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Galaxies, Observing

Fall into the Whirlpool Galaxy: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Astrophotography, Deep-Sky Objects

Astrophotography and the art of collaboration

Deep-Sky Objects, Galaxies, Observing

How Markarian 205 nearly broke the universe: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Deep-Sky Objects, Galaxies, Observing

Explore the Virgo galaxy cluster: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Captured in astounding detail by ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), the eerie Skull Nebula is showcased in this image in beautiful pink and red tones. This planetary nebula, also known as NGC 246, is the first known to be associated with a pair of closely bound stars orbited by a third outer star.

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

The Shy Five: Lesser known deep-sky objects worth seeking out

Popular Observing Topics

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sun

Safely observing the Sun can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Credit: Ted Hauter.

The Moon

Our nearest celestial neighbor provides many great sights.

Planets

Targeting our solar system’s other worlds is well worth the effort.

Credit: Tony Hallas.

Deep-Sky Objects

Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies are the night sky’s hidden gems.

Credit: Celestron.

Telescopes & Equipment

Explore the tools that can help you unlock the night sky.

Credit: Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory.

Astrophotography

Capturing great celestial sights is both an art and a skill.

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