THIS MONTH
February
What's there to see in the night sky?
Bode's Galaxy (M81)
M81, also known as Bode’s Galaxy, is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. Easily visible from the northern hemisphere, this springtime gem captivates both astronomers and stargazers alike, drawing attention for its beauty and grandeur.
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
The Pleiades (M45)
The Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, is a striking open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Easily visible to the naked eye, the Pleiades has captivated stargazers since antiquity and remains one of the most recognizable and beloved star clusters in the night sky.
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
The Hyades Cluster
The Hyades Cluster is one of the closest and most well-known open star clusters to Earth, located just 153 light-years away in the constellation of Taurus. It is easily visible to the naked eye and ranks among the brightest celestial objects in this constellation.
NORTHERN/SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
The Satellite Cluster
The Satellite Cluster is a young open star cluster within the Rosette Nebula, located near the equator. This cluster is home to a collection of bright stars that illuminate the surrounding nebula. It is a fascinating target for amateur astronomers, offering a stunning view of star formation.
NORTHERN/SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Beehive Cluster (M44)
The Beehive Cluster is a prominent open star cluster located in the northern constellation of Cancer. This striking cluster is a favourite among amateur astronomers, offering a rich view through binoculars and small telescopes.
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
Crab Nebula (M1)
The Crab Nebula is a renowned supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus. It marks the remains of a star that exploded in 1054, and its bright, expanding nebula is visible through binoculars or a telescope, offering a glimpse into stellar death and rebirth.
NORTHERN/SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Messier 66 (M66)
M66, a dazzling spiral galaxy in Leo, teams up with M65 and NGC 3628 to form the stunning Leo Triplet, visible in spring from northern and southern skies. This striking trio showcases dramatic tidal interactions, making it a favorite target for astronomers.
NORTHERN/SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
De Mairan's Nebula (M43)
M43, a vibrant nebula in Orion, is part of the larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex and a stellar nursery in the making. Its glowing gas and dust, illuminated by young, hot stars, make it a captivating target for astronomers seeking the beauty of star formation.