Archives Celestial Objects

NGC 6326

NGC 6326 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Ara, approximately 11,000 light-years from Earth. Planetary nebulae are shells of ionized gas expelled by stars during the final stages of their evolution. NGC 6326 exemplifies this process, representing a…

NGC 6891

NGC 6891 is a planetary nebula located in the northern constellation of Delphinus, approximately 7,200 light-years away from Earth. Planetary nebulae are formed during the late stages of a star’s life when it sheds its outer layers into space, creating…

NGC 6886

NGC 6886 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Sagitta in the northern hemisphere, and estimated to be approximately 11,000 light-years away from Earth. It was discovered by the English astronomer William Herschel on September 2, 1784. Here’s an…

NGC 6563

NGC 6563 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius, and situated approximately 7,000 light-years away from Earth. It was discovered by the English astronomer John Herschel in 1836. Here’s some more information about this nebula: Composition NGC 6563…

NGC 5979

NGC 5979 is a planetary nebula located in the southern constellation Triangulum Australe, discovered by the English astronomer John Herschel in 1835. Planetary nebulae form during the final stages of a star’s life when it exhausts its nuclear fuel and…

Blue Flash Nebula (NGC 6905)

NGC 6905, also known as the Blue Flash Nebula, is a planetary nebula located in the northern constellation Delphinus, approximately 7,500 light-years from Earth. The nebula was discovered by the British astronomer William Herschel on September 24, 1784. Here’s a…

NGC 6629

NGC 6629 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius, known for its unique and intriguing appearance. Here’s a look at this celestial object: Location The distance to NGC 6629 from Earth is estimated to be between 6,000 and…

Little Gem (NGC 6445)

NGC 6445, also known as the ‘Little Gem,’ is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Sagittarius. Planetary nebulae are formed during the final stages of a star’s life cycle, when a dying star sheds its outer layers into…

NGC 6894

NGC 6894 is a planetary nebula situated in the northern constellation of Cygnus, approximately 5,000 light-years from Earth. It was first observed by the German-British astronomer William Herschel on September 24, 1786. Below is an overview of this intriguing nebula:…

NGC 2452

NGC 2452 is a planetary nebula situated in the southern constellation Puppis, which was once part of the larger constellation Argo Navis. It lies approximately 11,600 light years from Earth and is located within a dense star field of the…

Blue Snowball (NGC 7662)

NGC 7662, also known as the Blue Snowball Nebula and Caldwell 22, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Andromeda, and visible in the northern sky. Planetary nebulae are the remnants of medium-sized stars like our Sun that have…

NGC 6578

NGC 6578 is a planetary nebula located in the southern part of the constellation Sagittarius, near the border with Corona Australis. Nestled within the rich star fields of the Milky Way galaxy, it lies in one of the densest regions…

Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302)

NGC 6302, commonly referred to as the Butterfly or Bug Nebula, is a stunning planetary nebula situated in the southern portion of the constellation Scorpius, close to the boundary with Ophiuchus. It is located roughly 3,800 light-years from Earth Discovered…

De Mairan’s Nebula (M43)

Messier 43, also known as De Mairan’s Nebula, is a fascinating astronomical object located in the constellation of Orion, and situated within the larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. It is just to the north of the famous Orion Nebula (M42)…

Messier 78 (M78)

Messier 78 (M78) is a bright reflection nebula located in the Orion constellation, close to the well-known Orion’s Belt. Located approximately 1,600 light-years away, it’s one of the brightest reflection nebulae in the night sky and is easily visible with…

Orion Nebula (M42)

The Orion Nebula, also known as Messier 42 (M42), is one of the most famous and easily recognizable nebulae in the night sky and a favorite target for astrophotographers. Known since ancient times, it was first noted by the Greek…

Omega Nebula (M17)

The Omega Nebula, or Messier 17 (M17), is a stunning emission nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by the Swiss astronomer Jean-Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in 1745–46. It was later independently rediscovered by the French astronomer Charles…

Lagoon Nebula (M8)

The Lagoon Nebula, also known as Messier 8 (M8), is a beautiful and prominent emission nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Hodierna before 1654. It was later independently rediscovered by the French…

Eagle Nebula (M16)

The Eagle Nebula, or Messier 16 (M16), is a young star-forming region situated in the constellation Serpens, specifically in the Serpens Cauda area, often referred to as the tail of the serpent. Located approximately 7,000 light-years from Earth, it is…

Crab Nebula (M1)

The Crab Nebula, also known as Messier 1 (M1), is one of the most famous and studied supernova remnants in the night sky. It is located in the northern constellation Taurus. Here are some key details about this celestial object:…

Owl Nebula (M97)

The Owl Nebula, also known as Messier 97 (M97), is a fascinating planetary nebula located in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781, and subsequently cataloged by Charles Messier in his list…

Trifid Nebula (M20)

The Trifid Nebula, also known as Messier 20 (M20), is a stunning celestial object located in the constellation Sagittarius, and situatred approximately 5,200 light-years away from Earth. It’s a famous emission nebula, meaning it emits light due to the excitation…

Dumbbell Nebula (M27)

M27, the Dumbbell Nebula, is a one of the easiest planetery nebulae to spot in the night sky with small optical instruments, such as binoculars. The nebula was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier on July 12, 1764. He…

Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76)

M76, also known as the Little Dumbbell Nebula or the Cork Nebula, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Perseus. Here’s some information about this deep space object: Location and Visibility M76 is located in the northern constellation of…

The Ring Nebula (M57)

M57, also known as the Ring Nebula, is one of the most famous planetary nebulae in the night sky. It is relatively easy to find, lying between the bright stars Vega and Sulafat, in the northern constellation of Lyra. It’s…

Messier 110 (M110)

M110 (Messier 110) is a dwarf elliptical galaxy and one of the satellites of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It was discovered by Charles Messier in August 1773, along with M31 and M32. Here’s some key information about this galaxy. Physical…

Messier 109 (M109)

Messier 109 (M109), also known as NGC 3992, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later included in Charles Messier’s famous catalog of deep-sky objects.…

Messier 108 (M108)

M108, also known as Messier 108 or NGC 3556, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later included in Charles Messier’s catalog of astronomical…

Messier 106 (M106)

M106, also known as Messier 106 or NGC 4258, is a remarkable and intriguing spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later included in Charles Messier’s famous…

Messier 105 (M105)

M105 is an elliptical galaxy located in the equatorial constellation Leo. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in March 1781 and later included in Charles Messier’s catalog of comet-like objects. The galaxy is part of the Leo I Group of…

Sombrero Galaxy (M104)

The Sombrero Galaxy, also known as Messier 104 (M104) or NGC 4594, is a stunning example of a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later added to Charles Messier’s catalog…

Spindle Galaxy (M102)

The Spindle Galaxy, cataloged as Messier 102 (M102) or NGC 5866, is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Draco. Discovered by Pierre Méchain in March 1781, there has been historical confusion and debate among astronomers regarding the true identity…

Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)

The Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as Messier 101 (M101) or NGC 5457, is a stunning example of a grand design spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. Discovered by Pierre Méchain on March 27, 1781, and later added to…

Messier 100 (M100)

M100, also known as NGC 4321, is a grand design spiral galaxy located approximately 55 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices. Discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781 and catalogued by Charles Messier the same year, it is one…

Messier 99 (M99)

M99, also known as NGC 4254, is a prominent spiral galaxy situated in the constellation Coma Berenices. This galaxy is classified as an SA(s)c type, indicating it is an unbarred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms. M99 shines with an…

Messier 98 (M98)

M98, also known as NGC 4254, was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain on March 15, 1781. Charles Messier included it in his famous catalog of nebulae and star clusters shortly afterward. M98 is classified as an intermediate spiral…

Messier 96 (M96)

M96 was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain on March 20, 1781. It was subsequently included in Charles Messier’s catalog of nebulae and star clusters as object number 96. M96 is classified as an intermediate spiral galaxy (SAB(rs)ab in…

Messier 95 (M95)

M95, also known as NGC 3351, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is a fascinating object for astronomers and amateur stargazers alike. Here’a some interesting facts about the galaxy: Discovery and Classification M95 was discovered…

Cat’s Eye Galaxy (M94)

M94, also known as NGC 4736 or the Cat’s Eye Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. Renowned for its prominent ring structure, M94 is a fascinating object of study in the realm of galactic morphology…

Messier 91 (M91)

The M91 galaxy, also known as NGC 4548, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. It is a member of the Virgo Cluster, a massive collection of over 1,300 galaxies. M91 is situated approximately 55 million…

Messier 90 (M90)

The M90 spiral galaxy, also known as NGC 4569, is a prominent member of the Virgo Cluster, located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Discovered by Charles Messier in 1781, M90 is a barred spiral galaxy, characterized…

Messier 89 (M89)

Messier 89 (M89) is an elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of galaxies situated about 60 million light-years…

Messier 88 (M88)

Messier 88 (M88) is a beautiful spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. Discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781, it is one of the brightest members of the Virgo Cluster, a rich galaxy cluster situated approximately…

Messier 87 (M87)

Messier 87 (M87) is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and is one of the largest and most massive galaxies in the nearby universe. M87 is…

Messier 86 (M86)

Messier 86 (M86) is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a rich cluster of galaxies situated about 60 million light-years…

Messier 85 (M85)

Messier 85 (M85) is an elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later included in Charles Messier’s catalog of celestial objects. M85 is situated at a distance…

Messier 84 (M84)

Messier 84 (M84) is an elliptical or lenticular galaxy situated in the Virgo Cluster, a rich assembly of galaxies located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and later included in his…

Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

Messier 83 (M83), also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Hydra. It was discovered by French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in 1752. Charles Messier later included it in his famous catalog…

Cigar Galaxy (M82)

M82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy or NGC 3034, is a remarkable irregular galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major in the northern hemisphere. Here’s some interesting facts about the galaxy: Basic Characteristics M82 is classified as an irregular…

Messier 77 (M77)

M77, also known as NGC 1068, is one of the most fascinating galaxies in the Messier catalog due to its bright nucleus and active galactic core. It is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Cetus, near the celestial…

Phantom Galaxy (M74)

M74, also known as NGC 628, is a magnificent spiral galaxy located in the constellation Pisces. It is renowned for its well-defined spiral structure and is often referred to as the “Phantom Galaxy” due to its diffuse appearance and relatively…

Messier 66 (M66)

M66, also known as NGC 3627, is a striking spiral galaxy located in the northern constellation of Leo. Here’s an overview of this wonderful galaxy: Basic Characteristics M66 is classified as a spiral galaxy with the morphological type SAB(rs)bc, indicating…

Messier 65 (M65)

M65, also known as NGC 3623, is a fascinating spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is part of the Leo Triplet along with M66 and NGC 3628. The galaxy was discovered by the British astronomer Charles Messier on…

Blackeye Galaxy (M64)

M64, also known as the Black Eye Galaxy or Sleeping Beauty Galaxy, is a stunning and enigmatic spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. Here’s an overview of this beautiful galaxy: Basic Characteristics M64 is classified as a spiral…

Sunflower Galaxy (M63)

The M63 galaxy, also known as NGC 5055 or the Sunflower Galaxy, is a striking and well-studied spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. Here’s an overview of M63: Basic Characteristics M63 is classified as an unbarred spiral galaxy…

Messier 61 (M61)

The M61 galaxy, also known as NGC 4303, is a fascinating and well-studied barred spiral galaxy located in the Virgo Cluster. Here’s an overview of M61: Basic Characteristics M61 is classified as a barred spiral galaxy with the morphological type…

Messier 60 (M60)

M60 (Messier 60), also known as NGC 4649, is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the largest and most luminous galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. Here are some details about M60: Structure and…

Messier 59 (M59)

M59 (Messier 59), also known as NGC 4621, is an elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the many galaxies that make up the Virgo Cluster. Here are some key details about M59: Structure and Features…

Messier 58 (M58)

M58 (Messier 58), also known as NGC 4579, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the brighter members of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies and is notable for its active galactic nucleus (AGN).…

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is one of the most famous and studied galaxies in the night sky. It is located in the constellation Canes Venatici which lies close to the Big Dipper. Here’s an overview of this…

Messier 49 (M49)

M49, also known as NGC 4472, is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the most massive and luminous galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. The galaxy was discovered by Charles Messier on February 19,…

Triangulum Galaxy (M33)

M33, also known as the Triangulum Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Triangulum. It is situated approximately 3 million light years away from earth. The galaxy was discovered by Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Hodierna in the 17th…

Messier 32 (M32)

M32, also known as Messier 32, is a dwarf elliptical galaxy and a satellite of the larger Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It is approximately 2.5 million light years away from earth. Due to its proximity to earth it is part of…

Bode’s Galaxy M81

M81, also known as Bode’s Galaxy or NGC 3031, is located in the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear), which is easily visible from the northern hemisphere. Like other notable galaxies it attracts significant attention from astronomers and star gazers…

Andromeda Galaxy M31

The Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31, is the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way, and one of the most popular targets for observation and exploration by astronomers. Here are some key details about M31: Location M31 is located…

Sweeps-04

The SWEEPS-04 b exoplanet is indeed a significant discovery made during the Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search (SWEEPS) project. It is located in the constellation of Sagittarius approximately 27,710 light years away, making it the most distant exoplanet ever…

Tau Ceti e

Tau Ceti e is one of four exoplanets orbiting the star Tau Ceti, located approximately 12 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cetus. Here are some key points about this exoplanet: Discovery Tau Ceti e was discovered in 2012…

HD 40307 g

HD 40307g is one of six exoplanets located in the HD 40307 system, approximately 42 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pictor. Here are some key points about HD 40307g: Discovery HD 40307g was discovered in 2012 by a…

Gliese 163c

Gliese 163c is an exoplanet located in the Gliese 163 system, approximately 49 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Dorado. Here are some key points about Gliese 163c: Discovery Gliese 163c was discovered in 2012 by a team of…

Gliese 667Cc

Gliese 667Cc is an earth-like exoplanet located in the Gliese 667 system, approximately 23 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Scorpius. It was discovered in 2011 and is one of several planets orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 667C,…

Gliese 581d

Gliese 581d is one of four exoplanets in the Gliese 581 system, located approximately 20.3 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Libra. It was discovered in 2007 and is one of several planets orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese…

Gliese 581g

Gliese 581g is an exoplanet located in the Gliese 581 system, approximately 20.3 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Libra. It was first announced to the public in 2010, sparking considerable interest due to its potential to support life.…

Kepler 62f

Kepler-62f is an exoplanet discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope in April 2013. It orbits the star Kepler-62, located approximately 1,200 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Lyra. Here are some key features and characteristics of Kepler-62f: Size…

Kepler 22b

Kepler-22b is an exoplanet discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope in December 2011. It orbits a star called Kepler-22, located about 620 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus. Here are some key characteristics of this exoplanet: Size…

Kepler 62e

Kepler-62e is one of thousands of exoplanets discovered by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft. It was found orbiting the star Kepler-62, which is located approximately 1,200 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Lyra. Here are some key details about Kepler-62e: Size…

Kepler 186f

Kepler-186f is an exoplanet, meaning it resides outside our solar system. Discovered by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft in April 2014, it orbits a red dwarf star known as Kepler-186, located over 500 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. Below are some…

HR 8799c

HR 8799c is one of the four known exoplanets orbiting the young star HR 8799 in the constellation of Pegasus. Here are some key details about HR 8799c: Discovery HR 8799c was discovered in 2008 using direct imaging techniques, similar…

HR 8799b

HR 8799b is one of the four known exoplanets orbiting the young star HR 8799 in the constellation of Pegasus.. Here are some key details about HR 8799b: Discovery HR 8799b was discovered in 2008 using direct imaging techniques. This…

Saturn’s Moons

Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun, boasts an impressive array of moons, with over 140 known satellites orbiting the gas giant. Here are some of the most notable moons of Saturn: Titan Titan is the largest moon of Saturn…

Jupiter’s Moons

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has a vast system of moons. As of 2023, Jupiter has 95 known moons, making it the planet with the largest number of moons in the solar system. Here are some of…

The Moon

The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, and it plays a significant role in shaping our planet’s environment and culture. Here are some key facts about the Moon: Orbit The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of about 384,400…

Earth

Earth, our home planet, is the third from the Sun in our solar system and is the only known planet to support life. It’s located in the habitable zone, also known as the Goldilocks zone, where conditions are just right…

Neptune

Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in our solar system, and one the least explored. This is primarily due to its great distance from Earth and the challenges associated with sending spacecraft to study outer planets.…

Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun in our solar system and is known for its unique characteristics, including its sideways rotation and pale blue color. Here are some key details about Uranus: Size and Distance from the Sun…

Saturn

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun in our solar system and is known for its stunning ring system. It is also the second-largest planet after Jupiter, and like it’s neighbour is referred to as a “gas giant”. Here…

Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and the fifth planet from the Sun. Jupiter is often referred to as a “gas giant” because it is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. Unlike terrestrial planets like Earth, which…

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system, and it is often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance, which is caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface. Here are some…

Venus

Venus is the second planet from the Sun in our solar system, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Venus is often called Earth’s “sister planet” due to its similar…

Mercury

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to the Sun. It’s named after the Roman messenger god Mercury and is known for its extreme temperatures, ranging from extremely hot on its sunlit side to extremely…