Twelve Month Tour of the Messier Catalog
By A. J. Cecce, rev. 1.0, 1995
January February
March
April
May June July August Sept
October November
December
This
month on the tour we will be attempting several of the most difficult objects
in the Catalog, a small faint planetary nebula, and a pair of face on spiral
galaxies. Also featured this month is a small, but fairly bright galaxy and
three open clusters. You will need binoculars and a telescope to fully enjoy the
January tour.
M33
- This is a very large (about the size of the full moon) face on spiral galaxy
in the constellation Triangulum. The total light from M33 is about magnitude
5.3, but when spread out over its large area it yields a very low surface brightness.
The best and easiest views of M33 can be found with a pair of binoculars. Look
for a large, round hazy patch of light with little detail at first glance. M33
can be glimpsed with the naked eye in dark clear skies. Finding M33 in a
telescope can be a challenge because of its size. Use the widest field eyepiece
you have and look for a change in light level to identify the galaxy.
M103
- This is a fairly small, sparse open cluster in Cassiopeia. Look for a tight
group of stars in binoculars, being careful not to mistake it for several other
clusters in the same area. Through a telescope the cluster is very sparse, four
bright stars amidst the slight glow of much fainter companions.
M52
- This rich open cluster in Cassiopeia is fairly easy to see in binoculars as a
faint smudge of light. A small to mid-size telescope will begin to resolve this
cluster. Look for a triangular patch of light with some stars clearly resolved,
but most of the cluster members provide only a hint of graininess.
M76
- Known as the little dumbell, this planetary nebula in Perseus is one of the
dimmest objects in the Catalog. Look for a small, faint, oblong patch of light.
Not a very obvious object, if you don't see it at first try varying
magnifications in an attempt to bring it out. Fortunately M76 is located near a
bright star which aids in locating the correct field to search.
M34
- This is a large and bright, but sparse open cluster located in Perseus.
Visible as a faint patch of light to the naked eye, it is very obvious and easy
to resolve in binoculars. In fact, binoculars provide a better
view of this cluster than most telescopes.
M74
- This galaxy in Pisces is a smaller and fainter version of M33, a face on
spiral galaxy with low surface brightness. M74 is arguably the most difficult
object to find in the Catalog. You will need very dark, clear skies to easily
see it, anything less than perfect conditions will make M74 nearly impossible
to find. Look for a very faint fuzzy star, which is the bright central
condensation, surrounded by a very faint glow. Try all of your tricks on this
one; star hop to the correct field, try varying magnification, tap the scope to
detect the galaxy through its motion. If all of the above fail, try again
another night or seek darker skies.
M77
- This is a small faint galaxy in Cetus. Possible to see in binoculars, but
very difficult, look for a faint fuzzy star. Through a telescope look for a
fuzzy, oval shaped patch of light, bright in the center, fading towards the
edges.
Last
Month - M2, M15, M29, M31, M32, M39, M110
Next
Month - M1, M35, M36, M37, M38, M42, M43, M45, M78, M79 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for January
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for January
Messier objects
This
month highlights 10 Messier objects, most are within reach of binoculars, and
over half can be seen with the naked eye.
M1
- The Crab nebula is a supernova remnant in Taurus. It is a hazy patch in small
telescopes. Large scopes can resolve some detail. It is difficult but possible
to see in binoculars.
M45
- The Pleiades are a large open cluster in Taurus. It's often easy to resolve
six stars with the naked eye. Binoculars provide the best view. Large
telescopes can show some nebulosity.
M35,
M37, M36, M38 - A series of open clusters in the winter Milky Way. M35 is in
Gemini while the others are in Auriga. All can be seen with the naked eye as
faint fuzzy stars. Binoculars reveal fuzzy patches, but low power telescopes
can resolve these rich clusters.
M42,
M43 - M42 is the great Orion Nebula. It can be seen as a small fuzzy patch with
the naked eye. Binoculars show some detail, and the view is superb in most any
scope. M43 is a small region of nebulosity next to M42, and probably requires
the use of a telescope to view. Use low to moderate powers for the best view of
this pair.
M78
- A small emission nebula in Orion, a tough binocular object. Best viewed in a
telescope at moderate powers.
M79
- This is one of the smallest and dimmest globular clusters in the catalog. A
tough binocular object in Lepus, best viewed in a telescope at moderate powers.
Last
Month - M31, M32, M33, M34, M52, M74, M76, M77, M103, M110
Next
Month - M41, M44, M46, M47, M48, M50, M67, M93 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for February
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for February
Messier objects
This month, we will look for 10 objects: 8 open
clusters in the southern Milky Way and a pair of galaxies, all within reach of
binoculars. The open clusters are easy targets and most are visible with the
naked eye. M81 and M82 are difficult binocular targets that offer a stunning
telescopic view.
M41 - This cluster in Canis Major is visible as a
hazy patch to the naked eye just below Sirius. M41 is resolvable in binoculars
and appears fairly loose in telescopes at low power.
M93 - This is a small fuzzy patch of light in
Puppis, partially resolvable in binoculars. The hardest part of finding this
cluster in binoculars is picking it out of a fairly rich region of the Milky
Way. Use low power to examine this cluster and the surrounding richness in a
telescope. Medium power provides a nice view of the cluster itself.
M47 - A bright cluster in Puppis, easily visible as
a hazy patch to the naked eye. Binoculars will show a large hazy patch with
many stars resolvable. Telescopes show a fairly loose cluster with stars of
wide variety of magnitudes.
M46 - This cluster is right next to M47 and is also
visible to the naked eye. In binoculars M46 appears as a large hazy patch with no
stars resolvable, giving a nice contrast to M47. In telescopes at low powers
this cluster evenly fills the eyepiece. While you are here, go to medium or
high power and look for the planetary nebula NGC2438. It will appear as a faint
uneven ring, with a blue/green color.
M50 - An open cluster in Monoceros. This is a small
hazy patch in binoculars, partially resolvable. Like M93, the richness of the
surrounding field is the only difficulty in finding this object. This is a
fairly tight cluster at low power in a telescope.
M48 - Moving on to Hydra, we find another naked eye
cluster. M48 is a large fuzzy patch in binoculars, partially resolvable. Use
low to medium power in your telescope for a spectacular view.
M67 - In the southeast portion of Cancer is another
open cluster, barely visible as a fuzzy patch to the naked eye. Binoculars show
M67 as a large, hazy patch of light, similar to M46. Use low power to resolve
this large, rich cluster in a telescope.
M44 - Known as the Praesepe or Beehive Cluster, this
open cluster is easily visible to the naked eye as a large, fuzzy patch bigger
than the moon. Binoculars or rich field telescopes provide the best view of
M44.
M81, M82 - This pair of galaxies in Ursa Major are
very possible to see in binoculars, looking like a pair of fuzzy stars. Both
galaxies will fit into the same low power telescope field. M81 will appear as a
large oval gray patch of light. M82 is a pencil like streak of light next to
and perpendicular to the long axis of M81.
Last Month - M1, M35, M36, M37, M38, M42, M43, M45,
M78, M79
Next Month - M40, M65, M66, M95, M96, M97, M105,
M106, M108, M109 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for March
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for March
Messier objects
Springtime
is galaxy time. As the winter Milky Way sets into the west we begin to get
overhead, clear views outside of our own galaxy. During April we will begin in earnest
our search for elusive galaxies. We will be searching for very distant objects,
thus in general they will be small and faint.
There
are several things to keep in mind to be successful at hunting distant
galaxies. The darker the sky the better. Search out dark sky sites, or wait
until the desired target is at maximum altitude or passes through relatively
darker portions of moderately light polluted skies. Search with low power, once
a possible fuzzy is found switch to higher powers for confirmation and to look
for more detail.
Nearly
all of the objects this month are possible in binoculars, though most need dark
skies, averted vision, and a trained eye to see. We will be hunting eight
galaxies and two objects from our galaxy, a double star and a planetary nebula.
M40
- This is a pair of faint stars located in Ursa Major. They are a tough find in
binoculars, and you will be challenged to split them with binoculars. In
telescopes, they appear to be an identical pair of stars and easy to split even
at low power.
M108
- This galaxy will appear as a thin streak of light in telescopes, there is a
definite brightening towards the middle. M108 is a very tough object for the
largest binoculars.
M97
- This planetary nebula in Ursa Major, also called the Owl nebula, appears as a
fairly large, round, hazy patch of light in a telescope. It is in the same
field of view as M108 at low to medium powers. Use averted vision to see the
faint glow of the Owl nebula through binoculars.
M109
- This spiral galaxy in Ursa Major appears as a small, oval patch of light. It
can be found in the same field of view as Gamma U Ma at low to medium power in
a telescope. Use large binoculars under good conditions for a chance of seeing
this one.
M106
- This galaxy in Canes Venatici appears as an oval patch of light, larger than
M109, with a fairly bright core. A tough, but possible binocular target.
M95
- This galaxy in Leo appears as a faint round patch of light with a bright
nucleus. Large binoculars and good conditions are a must.
M96
- Look for M96 in the same low power telescope field as M95. Another round
patch of light, slightly larger and brighter than M95, it too has a stellar
core. Binocular advice for M96 is the same as M95.
M105
- This is a small elliptical galaxy in Leo, and can be found in the same low
power field as M96. It looks like a small fuzzy star. M105 has a close
companion galaxy, NGC 3384, which is only slightly smaller and fainter than
M105. To prevent confusion, M105 is the closer of the pair to M96. Not possible
in binoculars, except maybe with averted "imagination".
M65
- A small, but relatively bright galaxy in Leo. It is an elongated oval patch
of light with a bright stellar core. A tough, but possible binocular target.
M66
- A close companion galaxy to M65, it can be seen in the same low to medium
power field as M65. M66 is another oval patch of light, brighter and slightly
wider than M65. Another possible binocular target. While you are here be sure
to look for a thin streak of light which is the galaxy NGC 3628. It can be
found north of M66 in the same low power telescope field as both M65 and M66.
Last
Month - M41, M44, M46, M47, M48, M50, M67, M81, M82, M93
Next
Month - M49, M51, M61, M63, M64, M85, M94, M101, M102, M104 (Courtesy, A. J.
Ceece)
Deepsly 2002 map 1 of 2 for April
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for April
Messier objects
This month we continue our tour of our nearby
neighbors outside the Milky May galaxy. Our observing will take in 10 more
galaxies. Be ready to look for very faint and small objects. Most are possible
to see in binoculars, but you will need a telescope and dark skies to really
enjoy the sights. This is the final warm up to prepare us for next month's
challenge, navigating the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. When you are done with
these objects and give yourself a treat, skip ahead to the summer globular
clusters of M3 or M13. While they are not an official part of this month's tour
they should never be missed whenever they are available. Besides, these bright
and spectacular objects are a treat to tired eyes after a night of galaxy
hunting. Be careful, these are so bright after the other objects that you might
want to wear shades.
M51 - The famous Whirlpool galaxy in Canes Venatici
is a bright face on spiral with a smaller elliptical companion, NGC 5195. Look
for a pair of fuzzy patches of light. The slightly larger and brighter one is
M51. Make sure to spend some time here as there is almost always some spiral
structure to be seen, on good nights the detail possible is unbelievable. This
is a difficult but very possible object in binoculars appearing as a hazy patch
of light.
M63 - Another spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, smaller
and fainter than M51, but seen more edge on so the galaxy appears as an
elongated patch of light with a bright star at one end. Further inspection will
show a faint halo around this patch. This is a difficult object in binoculars.
M94 - Just past M63 is another galaxy in Canes
Venatici. Look for a bright fuzzy star to find the core of M94, surrounded by a
faint haze. Another tough binocular object.
M101 - I consider this face on spiral galaxy in Ursa
Major one of the most difficult Messier objects to find in a telescope. This is
a large, faint patch of light, almost as big as the full moon. There are no
real condensations, so use low power and look for a brighter part of the sky -
more of a change in contrast than an object at first glance - which is the
galaxy. Dark skies really help in the search of this one.
M102 - Not an official Messier object in most
references, we will look for the galaxy NGC 5866 which is a somewhat standard insertion.
Look for a small, faint patch light that looks like a short fuzzy line.
M64 - In a telescope, this galaxy in Coma Berenices
is a fairly bright, slightly oval shaped patch of light. Look for the dark lane
which gives this galaxy the common name, "Black Eye." The galaxy
appears as a faint, fuzzy patch in binoculars.
M85 - This elliptical galaxy lies in Coma Berenices,
just north of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. This appears as a bright, but
small, patch of light, with a bright stellar core.
M49 - This is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo just
south of the main cluster of galaxies. M49 is round patch of light with bright
center, gradually fading to a round halo. M49 looks like a faint fuzzy star in
binoculars.
M61 - This is a face on spiral galaxy just south of
M49 in Virgo, but much fainter. Look for a faint, round, fuzzy patch of light.
M104 - This is the well-known
Last Month - M40, M65, M66, M95, M96, M97, M105,
M106, M108, M109
Next Month - M58, M59, M60, M84, M86, M87, M88, M89,
M90, M91, M98, M99, M100 (The Virgo Cluster) (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for May
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for May
Messier objects
This month we attack the heart of the Virgo cluster
of galaxies. We will be hunting 13 galaxies-all within less than 100 square
degrees of sky. The brightest of these galaxies, M87, is only 8.6 in total
magnitude so this will be a telescope only month. Plan on searching for small,
faint, fuzzies. Dark skies are a must.
Successfully navigating the Virgo cluster is the
biggest challenge in the Messier Catalogue, and is affectionately known as
"Heartbreak Ridge" to marathoners. What makes the Virgo cluster such
a challenge is the closeness of the Messier objects to each other, and the
large number of other galaxies
in this region. It is easy to become lost among the
galaxies, and not be able to tell which one you are looking at. Here are
several tips that can be of use as you navigate your way through the cluster.
- Get a good chart of the region that shows not only
the M objects, but also the brighter NGC galaxies. You should also have
pictures of the objects in the region to help in confirmation of a sighting.
- Use low power while searching. When you find an
object you can switch to higher powers to see more detail.
- Avoid large aperture scopes. Small telescopes,
6"- 8" in size, make finding the M-objects easier. Large scopes will
show many of the other faint galaxies and may help you become disoriented. The
same is true for sky darkness. Minimal light pollution will also help to
"filter out" the dimmer galaxies from the brighter Messier objects.
In my moderately light polluted back yard with an 8" scope, I can find the
Messier objects easily, but can barely see the other galaxies. Of course, to
really enjoy and get the most out of any galaxy, you want the largest scope and
darkest skies you can find.
- Plot your paths through the cluster, including a
"home base". Your home base should be an easily recognizable M-object
or field in the cluster. This will be the starting point for any excursions you
plan, and a place to return to, should you become lost. I use M84, M86 as my
home base. I can find this pair of galaxies easily by pointing my accurately
aligned Telrad on the midpoint of a straight line from Denebola (beta Leonis)
to Vindemiatrix (epsilon Virginis). This matched pair of small, fuzzy balls
will both be within a low-power field of view every time I do this. I've heard
of other people using M87 as their home reference because of its brightness.
The paths I like to use are M84, M86 -> M87 ->
M89, M90 -> M91 -> M88
|----> M87 -> M89 -> M58 -> M59, M60
|----> M99 -> M98 -> M100
- As you move from an identified object in search of
a new object, keep track of how far you have traveled. At low power, the most
you should have to move between objects is 3 or 4 fields of view. If you go
much farther than that go back to your last object or all the way back to home.
- Have patience and keep trying. Getting to know
this area of sky is very rewarding. Under dark skies and with a large scope, I
can easily get seven galaxies into the same field of view; an amazing sight to
behold.
- Remember, you are looking for light that left it's
source about 70 million years ago. Most of these objects at low power are not
much more than dim, fuzzy, out of focus looking stars. Allow your eyes to
become fully dark-adapted and take your time looking at each field. When done
with this challenge, be sure to swing over to M3 or M13 to let your
photon-starved retinas feast on a real meal.
M84, M86 - A pair of small fuzzy balls with bright,
almost stellar cores. Both easily fit into the same low power field of view.
M86 is slightly brighter and more oval than round M84.
M87 - Another round fuzzy ball with a bright core;
slightly brighter than both M84 and M86.
M89, M90 - Both of these galaxies fit into the same
low power field of view. M89 is another round fuzzy ball similar to M84, while
M90 appears as an oval patch of light larger than M89. M90 has a bright central
region.
M91 - A faint, slightly irregular oval hazy patch of
light.
M88 - A small, oval shaped fuzzy patch with a bright
stellar core, similar in size and shape to M90. It can fit into the same field
of view as M91.
M58 - A slightly oval shaped fuzzy patch of light
with a bright central region.
M59, M60 - M59 and M60 can both easily fit into the
same field of view. M59 is a small, hazy oval patch, not all that easy to see.
M60 is another fuzzy, oval patch of light, larger and brighter than M59.
M99 - A bright, round fuzzy patch of light.
M98 - This galaxy appears as a bright, pencil-like
streak of light.
M100 - A round, hazy glow of light, bright in the
center but gradually fading towards the edge.
Last Month - M49, M51, M61, M63, M64, M85, M94,
M101, M102, M104
Next Month - M3, M4, M5, M53, M68, M80, M83
(Courtesy A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for June
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for June
Messier objects
This will be a light month as we wait for the
Milkyway to rise into better view later this summer. Our quarry will consist of
six globular clusters and one very bright galaxy. All of these objects are
possible with binoculars; and most are down right easy, even with small
binoculars.
M3 - This globular cluster in Canes Venatici is one
of the brightest objects in the sky. In binoculars, this object is definitely
not star like, but more of a bright, small, easy to see snowball. Small
telescopes will begin to resolve M3 into individual stars. The hardest part of
this object is locating it in a portion of sky that contains few bright
landmarks.
M53 - Another globular cluster in Canes Venatici.
While not quite as big or bright as M3, it is still an obvious binocular
object. Resolvable in small telescopes, it is an easy object to find, sharing
the same low power telescope field as fifth magnitude Alpha Coma Berenices.
M5 - A big, bright globular cluster located in
Serpens Caput. M5 is as nice as M3 but lies near a fifth magnitude naked eye
star (5 Serpentis), making it an easy object to find.
M68 - An eighth magnitude globular cluster in Hydra.
M68 is a difficult binocular object for Northern observers. It appears as a
faint, fuzzy spot in binoculars, so you may need to use averted vision or
larger binoculars to find it. Appearing as a round fuzzy patch in 8"
telescopes, you will need a much larger aperture to really resolve it.
M83 - A face on spiral in Hydra. M83 is fairly easy
to see in binoculars as a faint, fuzzy patch of light. In a telescope, look for
a large patch of light with a bright center.
M4 - A big bright globular in Scorpius, easily
located near Antares. This is an easy binocular object, appearing as a round
snowball. Partially resolvable in a telescope, the trademark of this globular
is a line of bright stars crossing the center.
M80 - This is the smallest and faintest globular
cluster this month. Located in Scorpius, M80 is a very tough binocular object,
appearing as a faint star with slight fuzziness around the edges. This is
confirmed with a telescope. M80 has a bright central condensation in the middle
of faint fuzz. It is one of the Messier objects that even through a medium
telescope, still looks like a comet.
Last Month - M58, M59, M60, M84, M86, M87, M88, M89,
M90, M91, M98, M99, M100
Next Month - M6, M7, M8, M9, M10, M12, M19, M20,
M21, M23, M62, M107 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for July
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for July
Messier objects
This is the month that we begin to sneak into the
summer Milky Way and the heart of our galaxy as we find 12 more objects. Some are
visible to the naked eye; all are possible in binoculars. There are six
globular clusters, four open clusters, and two diffuse nebulas. Many of these
objects also appear to be in pairs, either in visual appearance or location.
M10, M12 - This pair of globular clusters in the
middle of Ophiuchus are easily swept up in binoculars, looking like small, blue
snow balls. Through an 8" telescop, M12 is well resolved, while M10 is
slightly more fuzzy looking. Both become very bright towards the center.
M107 - A small, fairly faint globular cluster in
Uphiuchus. It is a tough binocular object, appearing as a very small, faint
patch of lightm, possibly requiring averted vision. In a telescope, M107 is a
larger and
brighter fuzzy patch of light than what can be seen
in binoculars.
M9 - Another small, relatively faint globular
cluster in Ophiuchus. M9 is very similar to M107, only slightly brighter.
Another tough, but possible binocular object.
M19, M62 - Another pair of globular clusters in
Ophiuchus separated by about four degrees. Fairly easy to find in binoculars,
they are smaller than M10 and M12 thus not quite as obvious. These clusters are
not resolvable through small scopes, and appear as round fuzzy patches,
brightening towards the center. M19 is slightly brighter than M62.
M6, M7 - This is a pair of large, bright open
clusters in Scorpius, visible to the naked eye. Binoculars provide the best
view of these clusters. Both are completely resolvable in 10 x 50 binoculars
and can be fit into the same field of view. M7 is the larger and brighter of
the pair.
M8 - This is a bright emission nebula in
Sagittarius, easily visible to the naked eye. The common name of M8 is the
Lagoon nebula. In binoculars, M8 is an oval cloud of light, larger than the
full moon, with several bright stars embedded within it. A telescope makes this
nebula larger and brighter but does not really improve the view. A nebula
filter reveals swirling gas clouds.
M20 - Another diffuse nebula in Sagittarius is only
1.4 degrees northwest of M8 and is called the Trifid nebula. This is easily
seen in binoculars, looking like a cloud of smoke around some bright stars. A
view through a telescope appears much the same, although try to pick out the
three dust lanes that gives M20 its name. This is a somewhat difficult object
to see right away. At first glance it looks like the optics are in need of
cleaning and are causing the light from the bright stars to "smear".
M21 - This is a small, but bright open cluster in
Sagittarius, right next to M20. Binoculars show a very small bright patch,
partially resolvable. Small telescopes easily resolve all of the cluster
members. M8, M20, and M21 are all within the same binocular field and lie in a
very rich region of the Milky Way. This view is one of the finest to be found.
M23 - The last object of the month is a large, open
cluster in Sagittarius. Through binoculars, M23 is a large, hazy patch of
light, almost the size of the full moon. A telescope at low power easily
resolves this cluster among a rich background of other stars.
Last Month - M3, M4, M5, M53, M68, M80, M83
Next Month - M13, M14, M22, M28, M54, M69, M70, M92
(Courtesy, A. J. Cecce)
Deepsky 2002 map for August Messier
objects
We continue our tour this month with eight more
globular clusters, all possible in binoculars, with two of these being the
finest globulars visible from northern locations.
Sagittarius is the home of many globular clusters
that surround the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Seven of these globulars
appear in the Messier catalog. We will be visiting five of them this month.
When you complete the search for these objects, be sure to spend some time
scanning this region with binoculars or a telescope, and see what other sights
you can discover. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed.
M13 - The great globular cluster in Hercules is
bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. Binoculars easily show this
cluster as a bright, fuzzy ball. M13 is partially resolvable in small aperture
telescopes and becomes a fantastic swarm of tightly packed individual stars
through large scopes.
M92 - Another globular cluster in Hercules, M92 is
easy to find in binoculars, appearing slightly dimmer and smaller than M13. As
with M13, it is partially resolvable in small scopes and is a fine sight in
larger instruments.
M14 - A small, bright globular cluster in Ophiuchus,
it is a difficult binocular object. Look for a small, fuzzy patch of light.
Through a telescope, M14 is an even patch of light; the stars not resolvable
except through large scopes.
M22 - This is the other great globular in our tour
this month. Located just above the teapot asterism in Sagittarius, M22 can be
seen with no optical aid. M22 is easy to find in binoculars, and easy to
resolve in telescopes, with about the same impressiveness as M13.
M28 - Located near M22 in Sagittarius, this is a
small, bright globular. A tough binocular object, look for a small, fuzzy
patch. Easily seen in a telescope, but requires large aperture to resolve
individual stars.
M69, M70, M54 - All of these are small, bright
globular clusters laying along the bottom of the teapot in Sagittarius. Very
similar in appearance to M28, these are all tough binocular objects requiring
dark skies and possibly averted vision to see. M54 is slightly brighter and
appears more star-like through binoculars than the other globulars. These
are all easily seen in telescopes, though not easily resolvable.
Last Month - M6, M7, M8, M9, M10, M12, M20, M21,
M23, M62, M107
Next Month - M11, M16, M17, M18, M24, M25, M26, M55,
M75 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for September
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for September Messier objects
As summer turns to
fall we complete our tour of the wonders in Sagittarius. Sixteen Messier
objects are found within the constellation of Sagittarius, we will seek the six
that remain to be seen on our tour. We will also search for three others just
north of Sagittarius in the Milky Way.
Our October tour
includes two nebulae and the clusters that power them, four open clusters, a
star cloud, and lastly two globular clusters. All of these objects are possible
in binoculars, most are easy in even small binoculars. Several of these are
also possible naked eye objects.
M24 - This
"object" is actually a section of the Milky Way in Sagittarius. It is
easily seen with the naked eye as a fuzzy, oval patch about four times the size
of the full moon. The best views are through binoculars or rich field
telescopes.
M25 - Just east of M24
in Sagittarius we find this open cluster. Visible to the naked eye, M25 lies in
the same binocular field as M24. In binoculars it appears as a partially
resolved star cluster buried in faint nebulosity. A view through a telescope
shows the nebulosity is in fact many faint stars that are not resolved in small
instruments.
M18 - This is a small
open cluster just north of M24 in Sagittarius. In binoculars M18 is easy to see
as a small fuzzy patch of light in the same field of view as M24. Telescopes
reveal this cluster for what it is, a small, sparse collection of fairly bright
stars.
M17 - Just north of
M18 and in the same binocular field as M24 and M18 lies the Omega nebula.
Possible to see with the naked eye and easy with binoculars, this nebula
appears as a small faint patch of fuzz. A telescope will show the unique V
shape nebulosity that gives the cluster its name. The shape reminds me of a
swan with two bright stars that power the cluster embedded in the head and neck
of the swan.
M16 - Continuing north
of M17 we find another nebula in Serpens. To the naked eye and binoculars, this
small patch of haze is very similar in appearance to M17 which is in the same
binocular field of view. Through a telescope the M16 looks like a sparse open
cluster of stars surrounded by faint wisps of smoke.
M26 - Continuing to
head north through the Milky Way we find this open cluster in the constellation
Scutum. This is a difficult object to find in binoculars, but possible as a
faint patch of fuzz. Telescopes partially resolve this cluster and show several
stars buried in a faint glow from the unresolved stars.
M11 - Just north of
M26 in Scutum lies the Wild Duck Cluster. Possible to see with the naked eye,
binoculars show a small faint patch surrounding a bright star. Telescopes
resolve many of the stars in this very rich cluster.
M55 - Dipping back
into Sagittarius we find two more globular clusters waiting for us. The first
is one of the brightest and largest globulars in the catalogue. Possible to see
naked eye, it is an easy binocular object appearing as a bright fuzzy ball of
light. Telescopes show a round patch of light bright in the center and fading
toward the edges. Large aperatures are needed to resolve this globular.
M75 - The last object of the month, and the last object to be visited in
Sagittarius. In binoculars, M75 is not too hard to see, look for a small fuzzy
star. A telescope will show a small fuzz ball with a bright center.
Last Month - M13, M14, M22, M28, M54, M69, M70, M92 Next Month - M27, M30, M56, M57, M71, M72, M73 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for October
Messier objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for October Messier
objects
This month we will search for seven more objects from the Messier
Catalog. These include four globular clusters, the largest and the smallest
planetary nebulas in the catalog, and a small oddity. Two of the objects are
fairly easy in binoculars, while four others will require dark skies, patience,
and keen eyes to find.
M57 - This smallest planetary nebula in the Messier Catalog is the famous
Ring nebula in the constellation Lyra. Low power telescope views show a very
small blue/green disk, not much bigger than a star. Medium to high power will
magnify the size of the nebula while leaving the surrounding stars the same
size, confirming you have found it. It can be seen in binoculars as a faint
star like point of light.
M56 - Also in the constellation of Lyra we find our first globular
cluster of the night. In a telescope look for a small round ball of light,
slightly brighter in the center. This is a difficult binocular object which
appears as a small fuzzy patch.
M27 - Also known as the Dumbbell nebula, the largest planetary nebula in
the Messier Catalog, M27 lies in the constellation Vulpecula. It is fairly easy
to see in binoculars as a small hazy patch. In small to medium telescopes, it
appears as a rectangular patch of light. With a nebula filter or in large
scopes, it may even appear round in shape with a bright rectangular, or
dumbbell shaped core.
M71 - Lying in Sagitta, this globular cluster appears as a faint oval
hazy patch of light in a telescope. This is a very difficult but possible
binocular object, requiring dark skies and trained eyes.
M30 - This globular cluster in Capricornus is tough but very possible to
see in binoculars as a faint fuzzy star. Telescopes show a small fuzzy ball of
light, bright in the center and fading to the edges.
M72 - This is a small faint globular cluster in Aquarius. Look for a faint
oval patch of light, gradually brighter towards the middle. A very difficult
binocular object.
M73 - This asterism is located near M72 in Aquarius. In a low power
telescope view it looks like a very small fuzzy patch of light at first glance.
When stared at it reveals itself as a small collection of stars. Medium
to high power shows the view best described by Messier "cluster of three
or four stars... containing very little nebulosity".
Last Month - M11, M16, M17, M18, M24, M25, M26, M55, M75
Next Month - M2, M15, M29, M31, M32, M39, M52, M110 (Courtesy, A. J.
Cecce)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for November Messier
objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for November Messier
objects
This will be a fairly easy month on the tour. We will view two small but
bright globular clusters, two open star clusters, and the grandest galaxy in
the sky, along with its two companions. All of these objects are possible to
find in binoculars; most are fairly easy.
M2 - This is a small, bright globular cluster in Aquarius. To find it in
binoculars, look for a fuzzy star in a star-poor field. A low power telescope
field will show a round fuzzy patch, brighter in the center and fading to the
edge, in a field with no other bright objects.
M15 - This globular cluster in Pegasus is very similar to M2 in size and
brightness, except it is surrounded by several bright stars. Fairly easy to
find in binoculars, but the best view is through a telescope at medium to high
power.
M29 - This galactic cluster is a small, sparse group of stars in Cygnus.
It appears as a small fuzzy patch amongst a rich star field in binoculars. A
telescope will easily resolve the members of this cluster. The shape of the
cluster reminds me of the Pleiades as viewed through binoculars.
M39 - Dark skies will allow this large, bright cluster in Cygnus to be
seen with the naked eye as a hazy patch of light. Binoculars easily resolve
this cluster into it's bright and widely scattered members, and provide a
better view than can be seen with most telescopes.
M31 - This is the famous Andomeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor,
and the largest, brightest galaxy to be seen in the northern sky. The ability
to see M31 with the naked eye provides a good test of the darkness of your
skies. M31 is so large that binoculars provide the best view, allowing the
entire galaxy to be seen in one field of view. Look for an elongated patch of
light, with a bright, round central core.
M32 - This is an elliptical companion galaxy to M31. Through a telescope,
look for a slightly oval ball of fuzz in the same low power field as the core
of M31. M32 is very possible to find in binoculars as a star like point of
light.
M110 - Another elliptical companion galaxy to M31, lying on the opposite
side of the core as M32. Through a telescope, look for a large, oval patch of
light. Although M110 is as bright as M32, it is much larger and thus has a
lower surface brightness, making it a difficult object in light polluted skies.
M110 is a very difficult binocular object requiring dark transparent skies and
trained eyes to have a chance at finding it.
Last Month - M27, M30, M56, M57, M71, M72, M73
Next Month - M33, M34, M52, M74, M76, M77, M103 (Courtesy, A. J. Ceece)
Deepsky 2002 map 1 of 2 for December Messier
objects
Deepsky 2002 map 2 of 2 for December
Messier objects
Last revised:
