Learn about the 88 modern constellations, their names, history, how to identify them, why we see different constellations at different times of year, and other fun facts.| www.constellation-guide.com
Draco is one of the largest northern constellations. It represents the dragon Ladon in Greek mythology. The constellation is home to the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), the Spindle Galaxy (M102), and the Tadpole Galaxy (Arp 188).| www.constellation-guide.com
Boötes (the Herdsman or Plowman) is a large northern constellation dominated by a kite-shaped asterism. The constellation is home to Arcturus, the brightest northern star, and the contrasting double star Izar.| www.constellation-guide.com
Leo is one of the largest constellations in the northern sky. It is home to Regulus, one of the brightest stars in the sky, the nearby red dwarf Wolf 359, and the Leo Triplet of galaxies.| www.constellation-guide.com
Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky. It is home to the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), the Virgo Cluster of galaxies, and Spica, one of the brightest stars in the sky.| www.constellation-guide.com
The list of all the named stars (stars with names that have been formally approved by the IAU), with name origins and etymologies explained.| Star Facts
Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is the largest constellation in the northern sky. It is home to the Big Dipper asterism, formed by its seven brightest stars, and to many well-known deep sky objects.| www.constellation-guide.com
Charles Messier’s Catalogue of Nebulae and Star Clusters (Catalogue des Nébuleuses et des Amas d’Étoiles) is an astronomical catalogue of 110 bright deep sky objects that may be mistaken for comets. Even though it was compiled for the purpose of helping observers distinguish between permanent and transient objects in the night sky, the Messier catalogue… Read More »Messier Catalogue| Messier Objects
The Virgo Cluster is the closest large cluster of galaxies to the Milky Way. With over a thousand known members, the cluster spans an area of the sky about 5 by 3 degrees in size. While some of the most prominent members can be seen in smaller instruments, a 6-inch telescope will reveal about 160… Read More »Virgo Cluster| Messier Objects