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.

M104, the Sombrero Galaxy

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

Journey to the centers of galaxies by observing galaxy cores for yourself

NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy, was imaged with a ZWO ASI294MC Pro on a Takahashi FSQ-106N with 18 hours and 50 minutes of exposure.

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing Basics

Here are a few targets Messier missed that are worth a visit

Polaris lights up the Little Bear in the north.

Deep-Sky Objects

Binocular Universe: Northward bound

The constellation Canis Major the Great Dog. Credit: Roen Kelly.

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing

See the open cluster M41, the Tau Canis Majoris Cluster, and Thor’s Helmet this week

Rosette Nebula

Deep-Sky Objects

Large deep-sky objects to catch each season

Thor's helmet.

Astrophotography, Deep-Sky Objects

101 Weirdest Cosmic Objects

Travel southeast from Capella to capture Auriga’s targets. The chart at right zooms in on the Happy Face asterism.

Deep-Sky Objects

Binocular Universe: Winter’s first act

Deep-Sky Objects

Explore the Pleiades: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

It may not look like much, but capturing photons from the distant quasar 3C 273 is one of the most awe-inspiring observations you can make with a small telescope.

Deep-Sky Objects

Target acquired: Observe Quasar 3C 273

The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to us. Credit: Massimo Di Fusco

Cosmology, Deep-Sky Objects

How Edwin Hubble unlocked the cosmos: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Constellation Perseus

Deep-Sky Objects

Binocular Universe: Heroic treasures

Crisscross Cassiopeia the Queen to find the constellation’s characteristic clusters.

Deep-Sky Objects

Binocular Universe: Queenly clusters

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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