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.

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

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

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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