From the September 2009 issue

Stephen James O’Meara’s Secret Sky: Extreme observing: naked-eye galaxies

November 2009: Find a dark sky and test the limit of your eyes with these deep-sky targets.
By | Published: September 28, 2009 | Last updated on May 18, 2023

November 2009 wood engraving
In the famous wood engraving, a man dressed as a medieval pilgrim looks through the sky in search of understanding the universe.
Oberon Design

When we look up at the night sky, far away from city lights, how far can we see without optical aid? It’s easy (and fun) to imagine that the distance is infinite, but it’s not. Our eyes have limits.