Tag Observing

The southern constellation of Scorpius hosts two splendid globular clusters, M4 and M80, both of which provide good viewing despite their lowly presentation at mid-northern latitudes.

Summer is the season for a spot of solar observing and sunspots, probably the Sun’s most fascinating phenomena, are easier to see than you might think.

The late-spring constellation of Boötes is home to brilliant Arcturus and a collection of some of the most beautiful double stars of the season.

Messier 3 in Canes Venatici is right up near the top of the premier league of globular clusters. It has huge appeal for visual observers and imagers alike, making it a great alternative in the late spring sky to the ubiquitous Messier 13.

NGC 4361 in Corvus is a bit of an horizon-hugger at mid-northern latitudes, but it’ll reward determined observers. 

Markarian’s Chain is a string of bright Virgo Cluster galaxies straddling the Virgo/Coma border. 

 There’s so much that the Moon offers to an observer armed with just modest instrumentation and the unaided eye. Here’s some of the Moon’s best sights on an exciting observing journey as the Moon waxes from new to full phase.

Spiral galaxy Messier 106 in Canes Venatici faces stiff competition there but remains one of the northern sky’s best . 

In and around the vast Imbrium Basin is a very fertile area for lunar observers. For our Imbrium expedition let’s zero in on its magnificent mountain ranges and great selection of impact craters. 

Spiral galaxies Messier 95 and 96 are Leo’s second great Messier duo, after Messier 65 and 66.