Messier Objects

Messier 1 - The Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula (catalogue designations M1, NGC 1952, Taurus A) is the result of a supernova that was first observed and then recorded in Chinese astronomical writings in the year 1054. The Crab Nebula is found in the constellation Taurus and is about 6,700 light years away. This explosion was so bright that it was visible during daylight hours for over 20 days and remained visible in the night sky for over two years.
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 05h 34m 31.94sDeclination: +22° 00′ 52.2″Distance: 6500 lyApparent magnitude (V): 8.4Apparent dimensions (V): 420″ × 290″Constellation: Taurus
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 4 Hours and 7 Minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: November 2, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 2 - Globular Cluster in Aquarius

Messier 2 or M2 (also designated NGC 7089) is a globular cluster in the constellation Aquarius. M2 is about 55,000 light-years distant from Earth. At 175 light-years in diameter, it is one of the larger globular clusters known. The cluster is rich, compact, and significantly elliptical. It is 12.5 billion years old and one of the older globular clusters associated with the Milky Way galaxy.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IIConstellation: AquariusRight ascension: 21h 33m 27.02sDeclination: –00° 49′ 23.7″Distance: 55,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.5Apparent dimensions (V): 16.0′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 33x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: August 11, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 3 (M3)

Messier 3 (also known as M3 or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster found in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici. M3 is one of the three brightest globular clusters in the Northern hemisphere (along with M13 and M5). This cluster is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is estimated to be 11.4 billion years old. It is located at a distance of about 33,900 light-years away from Earth.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VIConstellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 13h 42m 11.62sDeclination: +28° 22′ 38.2″Distance: 33.9 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.39Apparent dimensions (V): 18′.0
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 4 – The Cats’ Eye Globular Cluster

Another beautiful globular cluster that sits low on the southern horizon from Northern skies. Located very close to the star Antares. A few observational facts – did you know this was the first globular cluster to be resolved into individual stars? Did you know this cluster contains some of the oldest white dwarf stars in our galaxy – almost 13 billion years old (discovered using the Hubble Space Telescope)!
The image is composed of 10 x 15 second images at ISO 3200 and 10 x 15 second images at ISO 4000. Tech Info: Meade LX90 12” telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, and Canon 6D camera. Imaging was done on July 23, 2016.

Messier 5 in Serpens

M5 (NGC 5904) is a bright globular cluster located in the constellation Serpens. M5 is one of the oldest globular clusters, as well as one of the brightest, in our galaxy. Estimates to the number of stars vary from 100,000 to as many as 500,000.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 30 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 25, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Open Cluster Messier 6

Open Clusters Messier 6 and Messier 7 in Scorpius – I captured these open clusters low on the southern horizon back in May 2016. The two bright stars are Shaula and Lesath, the tip of the tail of Scorpius. Messier 6, also known as the Butterfly Cluster is on the top, Messier 7, Ptolemy’s Cluster is just above the tree line. Tech specs: Canon 6D, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens set at f/2.8 and 200mm, stack of four 15-second exposures, everything mounted on an iOptron Skytracker.

Open Cluster Messier 7

Messier 8 – The Lagoon Nebula

Here is a wide-field view of the star forming region named the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8, M8) in the constellation Sagittarius. It encompasses the open cluster NGC 6530 (left of center) and the image also captures the globular cluster NGC 6544 in the lower left. From http://www.messier.seds.org/m/m008.html "One of the remarkable features of the Lagoon Nebula is the presence of dark nebulae known as 'globules' (Burnham) which are collapsing protostellar clouds with diameters of about 10,000 AU (Astronomical Units). Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: October 1, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 9 and Barnard 64 in Ophiuchus

Here is a view of the globular cluster Messier 9 (M9) superimposed on a dark nebula called Barnard 64 (you can see the dark "holes" in the image). M9 is in the constellation Ophiuchus and has a magnitude of 7.9. M9 is about 25,800 light-years from Earth but only 5,500 light-years from the center of our galaxy. The Barnard catalog was created by E.E. Barnard and contains 349 dark nebula. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 18 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: August 9, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Globular Cluster Messier 10

Messier 10 (M10 or NGC 6254) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It is approximately 15,000 light years away. From Wikipedia, “A globular cluster is a spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. Globular clusters are very tightly bound by gravity, which gives them their spherical shapes and relatively high stellar densities toward their centers.”
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VIIConstellation: OphiuchusRight ascension: 16h 57m 8.92sDeclination: −04° 05′ 58.07″Distance: 14.3 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.6Apparent dimensions (V): 20′.0
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 71 x 60 seconds at 0C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: April 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

M11 - The Wild Duck Cluster

Here is a view of the open cluster called the Wild Duck Cluster (Messier 11, M11, NGC 6705) in the constellation Scutum. One of the nicest open clusters in the Northern skies. It has a magnitude of 6.3 and contains an estimated 2900+ stars. The cluster lies between us and the Scutum galactic cloud. The dark areas in the image are actually obscured by dust and gas.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: September 24, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 12 in the Constellation Ophiuchus

Messier 12 (M12 or NGC 6218 in the New General Catalog) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It is also referred to as the “Gumball Globular”. It was discovered in 1764 by the French astronomer Charles Messier who described it as a “nebula without stars”. M12 is approximately 15,700 light-years distant. You will definitely need binoculars or a small telescope to see this cluster. This cluster contains about 200,000 stars, the brightest of them are about 12th magnitude.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IXConstellation: OphiuchusRight ascension: 16h 47m 14.18sDeclination: –01° 56′ 54.7″Distance: 16.44 ± 0.16 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.7Apparent dimensions (V): 16′.0
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 40 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Hercules Cluster Messier 13 (M13)

Messier 13 (M13 or NGC 6205) is also referred to as the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, is one of the brightest and best known globular clusters in the northern skies. It shines at a magnitude of 5.8, is about 22,200 light years away and contains an estimated 300,000 stars.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VConstellation: HerculesRight ascension: 16h 41m 41.24sDeclination: +36° 27′ 35.5″Distance: 22.2 klyApparent magnitude (V): 5.8Apparent dimensions (V): 20 arcminutes
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 2h30m using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Plus, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 15, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 14

Messier 14 (M14 or NGC 6402 in the New General Catalog) is a globular cluster in a rather empty area of the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered in 1764 by the French astronomer Charles Messier who described it as a “nebula without stars, not large, faint, and round”. M14 is approximately 29,000 light-years distant. You will definitely need binoculars or a small telescope to see this cluster.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 18, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 15 (M15 or NGC 7078)

Messier 15 (M15 or NGC 7078) is a bright globular cluster located in the constellation Pegasus. The age of this cluster is estimated to be 12 billion years, ranking it as one of the oldest known globular clusters.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IVConstellation: PegasusRight ascension: 21h 29m 58.33sDeclination: +12° 10′ 01.2″Distance: 35.69 ± 0.43 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.2Apparent dimensions (V): 18′.0
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 50 x 60 seconds at 0C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: June 5, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 16 – The Eagle Nebula in the Constellation Serpens

Here is a view of the Eagle Nebula, Messier 16 (M16) in the constellation Serpens. This is another star forming region near the center of our galaxy. It also contains several interesting features, one called the Pillars of Creation (see the enhance inset image). The open cluster in the upper right is Trumpler 32 (Tr32). Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: August 9, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 17 – The Omega Nebula in Sagittarius

The Omega Nebula (Swan Nebula, M17, NGC 6618) is an H II region between 5000 and 6000 light years away in the constellation Sagittarius. An open star cluster, NGC 6618, lies embedded in the nebulosity and, due to radiation, causes the gasses of the nebula to shine.
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension: 18h 20m 26sDeclination: −16° 10′ 36″Distance: 5,000–6,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.0Apparent dimensions (V): 11 arcminsConstellation: Sagittarius
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at 0C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, Optolong L-eXtreme filter (2”), 12 x 300 second exposures, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, focus with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: August 24, 2022. Location: GHAAS Dark Site, Eckley, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Open Cluster Messier 18

It's hard to be in the spotlight when you are in the shadow of the Omega Nebula. This is the small open cluster Messier 18 (M18). M18 has a magnitude of 7.5 and contains over a dozen bright stars.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 18 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 zone).

Globular Cluster Messier 19 M19

Messier 19 (M19 or NGC 6273) is located in the constellation Ophiuchus. This most recent observation was made using a Canon 6D attached at prime focus to my Celestron C6-A SCT. I used 30-second exposures at ISO 3200, 9-minutes total time. I also included twenty 30-second dark frames in the stacked images, great for weeding out hot and cold pixels from your images. If you do nothing else, always take the time to create dark frames.

Messier 20 – The Trifid Nebula

Here is a wide-field view of the Trifid Nebula, Messier 20 (M20) and the open cluster Messier 21 (M21) in the upper left. The word trifid comes from the Latin word trifidus which means “divided or split into three parts or lobes”. From Wikipedia - The object is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars; an emission nebula (the lower, red portion), a reflection nebula (the upper, blue portion) and a dark nebula (the apparent 'gaps' within the emission nebula that cause the trifurcated appearance. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 2, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 21 – Open Cluster

Messier 22 - Globular Cluster

Here is a view of Messier 22 (M22 or NGC 6656), a bright globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius and located near the galactic bulge. M22 is about 10,700 light-years away and is one of the older globs in the Milky Way. You may have known this, I did not, that this is one of four globular clusters that have a planetary nebula. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 10 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 28, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 23 - Open Cluster

Here is a view of the open cluster Messier 23 (M23) in the constellation Sagittarius. It is about 2,150 light years away and contains about 150 stars in the group. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 2, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 24 - Sagittarius Star Cloud

Here is a short 15-minute exposure of the Sagittarius star cloud region also designed as Messier 24 (M24). You can also see the open cluster NGC 6603 in the upper right corner and two dark nebula designed Barnard 92 and Barnard 93 along the right edge. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 2, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 25 - Open Cluster in Sagittarius

Messier 25 (M25) is an open cluster found in the constellation Sagittarius. It is about 2,000 light-years away from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 4.6. The number of stars in this cluster have ranged from 86 to 601 depending on the source! Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 28, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 26 – Open Cluster in Scutum

M26 (NGC 6694) is an open cluster located in the constellation Scutum. M26 is about 5,000 light-years from Earth and the brightest star in this cluster is only 11.9. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: August 9, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 27 – The Famous Dumbbell Nebula

The Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27, M27 or NGC 6853) is a bright planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. It is easily seen in binoculars and wide-field photographs. The central star is an extremely hot blueish subdwarf. The nebula was created by the dying star ejecting a shell of gas into space.
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension: 19h 59m 36.340sDeclination: +22° 43′ 16.09″Apparent magnitude (V): 7.4Apparent dimensions (V): 8.0′ × 5.6′Constellation: Vulpecula
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 134 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Open Cluster Messier 29 (M29)

This is the open cluster Messier 29 (M29 or NGC 6913) and is found near the star Sadr, the center star of the Northern Cross asterism (in the constellation Cygnus). It is a rich field of sky where the Northern Milky Way passes directly through. M29. It has an apparent magnitude of 7.1 and is about 4,000 light years away. I think M29 looks like a tiny version of the Pleiades cluster.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 53 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Messier 30 – Globular Cluster

M30 (NGC 7099) is a bright globular cluster located in the southern constellation Capricornus. M30 is about 27,000 light-years from the Earth. I read an abstract titled “Accreted versus In Situ Milky Way Globular Clusters” by Duncan A. Forbes and Terry Bridges (January 2010) in which M30 is listed as a candidate globular cluster that was stolen from another galaxy at some point in time. The term “accreted” means “come or bring together under the influence of gravitation.” Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 16 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: October 13, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

The Andromeda Galaxy Messier 31

The Andromeda Galaxy is also designated Messier 31 (M31) and is the nearest major galaxy to our Milky Way. Also pictured are the elliptical galaxies Messier 110 (M110) to the upper left of Andromeda and Messier 32 (M32) the large white dot just to the right of the center of Andromeda. This is a five panel mosaic which I plan to add additional data to.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, each panel is 60 x 60 second exposures (calibrated with darks from the library), guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software, processed in PixInsight. Image date: November 9th to the 13th, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 32 – A Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy in Andromeda

Messier 32, M32 or NGC 221, is classified as a dwarf elliptical galaxy. It also shares to same location, and is a satellite galaxy of the famous Andromeda Galaxy (M31). So, you have probably seen this little galaxy hundreds of times, dwarfed in the splendor of the Andromeda Galaxy. It has been theorized that M32 contains a supermassive black hole in its center.
M32 has an apparent magnitude of 8.08, is about 2.5 million light-years distant and is relatively small at 8.7 arc-minutes by 6.5 arc-minutes.
This image is composed of 32 x 15 second images at ISO 3200 with additional dark and bias frames. Tech Info: Meade LX90 12” telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, and Canon 6D camera. Imaging was done on September 27, 2016.

The Triangulum Galaxy - Messier 33

From Wikipedia: The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC 598. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy and about 44 other smaller galaxies. It is one of the most distant permanent objects that can be viewed with the naked eye.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 95x60 second, 11x300 seconds Optolong l-eXtreme filter, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: August 10, 2023 and August 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 34 Open Cluster in the Constellation Perseus

Messier 34 (also known as M34 or NGC 1039) is a large and relatively near open cluster in the constellation Perseus. The cluster is just visible to the naked eye in very dark conditions, well away from city lights. It is possible to see it in binoculars when light pollution is low.
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Constellation: PerseusRight ascension: 02h 42.1mDeclination: +42° 46′Distance: 1,500 light yearsApparent magnitude (V): 5.5Apparent dimensions (V): 35.0′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: October 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 35 and NGC 2158

These are the open clusters Messier 35 and the compact open cluster designated NGC 2158, both found in the constellation Gemini. This is a huge open cluster that almost fills the same size in the sky as a full moon and it is about 2,800 light-years from Earth. As with any wide-field image of this open cluster, you get the added benefit of catching NGC 2158 nearby, not related to M35 as it lies about 9,000 light-years further away.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 139x60 second, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: October 11, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 36 - Open Cluster

Messier 36 (M36 or NGC 1960) is the first of three large open clusters found in the constellation called Auriga. It lies at a distance of about 4,100 light years away from Earth and is about 14 light years across. There are at least sixty members in the cluster. The cluster is very similar to the Pleiades cluster (M45), and if it were the same distance from Earth it would be of similar magnitude. Burnham states, “The group makes its best impression with a fairly low power (20X to 50X)”. I would add that the entire area looks fantastic through a good pair of binoculars.
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Right ascension: 05h 36m 18.0sDeclination: +34° 08′ 24″Apparent magnitude (V): 6.3Apparent dimensions (V): 12'
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 54 Minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: November 3, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 37 - Open Cluster

Messier 37 (NGC 2099) is a large open cluster found in the constellation of Auriga. It has an apparent magnitude of 6.2 and covers about 24 arc-minutes of sky, the distance from Earth is about 4,500 light-years. Did you know M37 has at least a dozen red giant stars included in the cluster?
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Constellation: AurigaRight ascension: 5h 52m 18sDeclination: +32° 33′ 02″Distance: 4.511 kly (1.383 kpc)Apparent magnitude (V): 6.2Apparent dimensions (V): 24′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 38 - Open Cluster

Messier 38 (M38 or NGC 1912) is a large open cluster found in the constellation Auriga. It lies at a distance of about 4,200 light years away from Earth and is about 13 light years across. Also included in this view is open cluster NGC 1907 to the left of M38.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 56 x 60 second exposures (calibrated with darks from the library), guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software, processed in PixInsight. Image date: December 6, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 39 - Open Cluster in Cygnus

Messier 39 or M39, also known as NGC 7092, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Cygnus. When observed in a small telescope at low power the cluster shows around two dozen members but is best observed with binoculars. It has a total integrated magnitude (brightness) of 5.5 and spans an angular diameter of 29 arcminutes – about the size of the full Moon. It is centered about 1,010 light-years away.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Right ascension: 21h 31m 48.0sDeclination: +48° 26′ 00″Distance: 1,010 lyApparent magnitude (V): 4.6Apparent dimensions (V): 29′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 83x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 26 andJune 17, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

The Elusive Messier 40 in Ursa Major

Charles Messier was searching for a reported nebula in this area and only found the double star later identified as Winnecke 4, why he still added this to his catalog we’ll never know. Burnham referred to this as “one of the few real mistakes in the Messier catalog” (Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Volume Three, Robert Burnham, Jr.). So, here is my image just to fill the slot in my Messier catalog, this is Messier 40 (M40).
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 10 x 60 seconds with dark and bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: March 4, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory in Weatherly, PA.

The Dog Star and the Little Beehive Cluster

Here is a wide-field view of the star Sirius and the open cluster Messier 41 (M41), just squeezing them both in the field of view using the Williams Optics Redcat and Canon 6D camera. Sirius, Alpha Canis Majoris, is also known as the Dog Star, Nile Star, The Sparkling One and many others. At a distance of 8.7 light years, Sirius is the 10th nearest star to Earth.
Located 4-degrees south of Sirius is the open cluster Messier 41 (M41). M41 has an apparent magnitude of 4.5 and is about 2,300 light years from Earth. M41 is also referred to as the Little Beehive Cluster, but I can’t find the exact reference. M41 was mentioned by Aristotle about 325 B.C. as one of the mysterious “cloudy spots” then known in the sky. (REF: Robert Burnham Jr., Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, 1978).
Tech Specs: Williams Optic Redcat 51, iOptron ZEQ25 mount, Canon 6D, unguided, 10 x 60 second exposures, ISO 3200. Captured using BYE, processed in ImagesPlus. Image date: February 14, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

The Orion Nebula (M42)

Winter imaging is not complete until you image the Orion and Running Man nebula found in the constellation Orion. This is probably one of the most photographed areas in the winter sky. Objects in this view include M42 (Orion Nebula), M43 (de Mairan’s Nebula), NGC 1977 (The Running Man Nebula), NGC 1975 and NGC 1973.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 36 x 300 seconds at -20C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: January 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

de Mairan’s Nebula (M43)

The Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer

Messier 44 – The Beehive Cluster (or also called the Praesepe) is a open cluster that lies in the constellation Cancer. M44 has a visual brightness of magnitude 3.7, so it is easily visible using a modest telescope and can easily be seen using binoculars (it is actually much nicer in a wide-field view). Distance is around 577 light years. Total number of stars in this cluster are in the range of 200 to 350.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 27 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: March 9, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Messier 45 - Pleiades Star Cluster

The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45, are an open star cluster located in the constellation Taurus. Robert Burnham states in his Celestial Handbook, "undoubtedly the most famous galactic star cluster in the heavens, known and regarded with reverence since remote antiquity." Did you know that J.R.R. Tolkien referred to the Pleiades as Remmirath, or "The Netted Stars" in The Fellowship of the Ring?
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -5C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 8 hours total including 4 hours using the Optolong L-eNhance filter, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: November 8, 2020 and September 21, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Open Cluster Messier 46 (M46)

Messier 46 (M46) is an open cluster that can be found in the constellation Puppis, to the upper left of the star Sirius in Canis Major. The cluster is fairly bright and contains about 500 stars and is about 5,400 light years away. If you close you can also spot the planetary nebula, a small ring, known as NGC 2437, while it looks like it is part of the cluster, it is actually in front of it by 2,500 light years.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount (pier mounted), ZWO ASI071MC-Pro running at -25C, 7 x 120 second exposures, GAIN 200, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using SharpCap v3.2. Image date: January 21, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Open Cluster Messier 47 (M47)

Messier 47 (M47) is a bright open cluster that can be found in the constellation Puppis, to the upper left of the star Sirius in Canis Major. The cluster is about 1,600 light years away from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 4.2, there are about 50 members in this cluster.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount (pier mounted), ZWO ASI071MC-Pro running at -25C, 7 x 120 second exposures, GAIN 200, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using SharpCap v3.2. Image date: January 21, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 48 in the Constellation Hydra

Messier 48 or M48, also known as NGC 2548, is an open cluster of stars in the equatorial constellation of Hydra. It sits near Hydra's westernmost limit with Monoceros, about 18° 34′ to the east and slightly south of Hydra's brightest star, Alphard. This grouping was discovered by Charles Messier in 1771, but there is no cluster precisely where Messier indicated; he made an error, as he did with M47. The value that he gave for the right ascension matches, however, his declination is off by five degrees. Robert Burnham states, “Generally triangular in outline, the cluster is dominated by a central chain-like grouping of ten or so 10th and 11th magnitude stars.”
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: HydraRight ascension: 08h 13m 43.0sDeclination: −05° 45′ 00″Distance: 2,500 ly (770 pc)Apparent magnitude (V): 5.8Apparent dimensions (V): 30′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 85 x 60 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 49 (M49)

Messier 49 (also known as M49 or NGC 4472) is a giant elliptical galaxy about 56 million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo. This galaxy has many globular clusters: estimated to be about 5,900. This is far more than the roughly 200 orbiting the Milky Way, but dwarfed by the 13,450 orbiting the supergiant elliptical galaxy Messier 87. Lot’s of background galaxies in this view down to roughly the 14th magnitude.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: June 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Open Cluster Messier 50 (M50)

Messier 50 (M50) is an open cluster that can be found in the constellation Monoceros. The cluster is about 3,200 light years away from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 5.9, there are about 50 members in this cluster.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount (pier mounted), ZWO ASI071MC-Pro running at -25C, 7 x 120 second exposures, GAIN 200, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using SharpCap v3.2. Image date: January 21, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

The Whirlpool Galaxy - Messier 51

The Whirlpool Galaxy, Messier 51 (M51), or NGC 5194, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici (just below the last star in the handle of the Big Dipper asterism). M51 is roughly 23 million light-years away from Earth.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 13h 29m 52.7sDeclination: +47° 11′ 43″Distance: 23 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.4
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 180 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: April 10, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Open Cluster Messier 52

Messier 52 or M52, also known as NGC 7654, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Messier 52 can easily be seen with binoculars. In 10×50 binoculars, it appears as a hazy, nebulous patch of light. 4-inch telescopes reveal a dense, compressed star cluster populated by many faint stars, with a shape resembling that of the letter V. More stars are visible in 6-inch and larger instruments. The cluster occupies an area just less than half of the size of the full Moon.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: CassiopeiaRight ascension: 23h 24m 48.0sDeclination: +61° 35′ 36″Distance: 4.6 klyApparent magnitude (V): 7.3Apparent dimensions (V): 13.0′
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at 0C plus darks and flats, processed using DSS. Image Date: September 1, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 53

Messier 53 (also known as M53 or NGC 5024) is a globular cluster in the Coma Berenices constellation and is one of the more outlying globular clusters. It is roughly 60,000 light-years away from our solar system.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VConstellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 13h 12m 55.25sDeclination: +18° 10′ 05.4″Distance: 58,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 7.6Apparent dimensions (V): 13’
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 68 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 28, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 54 – Globular Cluster in the Constellation Sagittarius

M54 (NGC 6715) is a globular cluster located in the constellation Sagittarius. Did you know that M54 is actually part of another galaxy? It was discovered in 1994 that M54 most likely belongs to the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy (SagDEG). M54 is one of the denser globs, it is about 87,000 light-years from Earth.John Herschel found the cluster “at first gradually, then suddenly much brighter in the middle; well resolved, clearly seen to consist of stars which are chiefly of 15 mag. with a few outliers of 14 mag.” (Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Robert Burnham Jr., Volume III)This image is composed of 32 x 15 second images at ISO 3200 with additional dark and bias frames. Tech Info: Meade LX90 12” telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, and Canon 6D camera. Imaging was done on August 30, 2016.

Messier 55 – Globular Cluster in the Constellation Sagittarius

M55 (NGC 6809) is a globular cluster located in the constellation Sagittarius. M55 is about 17,600 light-years from Earth.Robert Burnham, Jr., commented in his book Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, that the modern observer will find M55 easily visible in a good pair of field glasses as a “hazy” star of about 7th magnitude….and early observers commented on the unusual openness of this cluster, mainly due to the fact that the majority of stars are less than 13th to 14th magnitude.This image is composed of 16 x 15 second images at ISO 3200 with additional dark and bias frames. Tech Info: Meade LX90 12” telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, and Canon 6D camera. Imaging was done on August 30, 2016.

Messier 56 – Globular Cluster in the Constellation Lyra

Messier 56 (also known as M56 or NGC 6779) is a globular cluster in the constellation Lyra. M56 is about 32,900 light-years away from Earth and measures roughly 84 light-years across, containing 230,000. This cluster has an estimated age of 13.70 billion years
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: XConstellation: LyraRight ascension: 19h 16m 35.57sDeclination: +30° 11′ 00.5″Apparent magnitude (V): 8.3Apparent dimensions (V): 8.8'
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 30 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: June 12, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

The Ring Nebula - Messier 57 (M57)

The Ring Nebula (also cataloged as Messier 57, M57 and NGC 6720) is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra. The tiny white dot in the center of the nebula is the star’s hot core, called a white dwarf. M57 is about 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Lyra.
Right ascension: 18h 53m 35.079sDeclination: +33° 01′ 45.03″Distance: 2567±115 lyApparent magnitude (V): 8.8Apparent dimensions (V): 230″ × 230″Constellation: Lyra
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 3 hours 43 minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 5, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 58 and the Siamese Twins

Messier 58 (M58 or NGC 4579) is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo and is about 68 million miles away from Earth. In the Messier Catalog, this galaxy is the most distant object. Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 63 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 20, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 59 (M59)

Messier 59 (also known as M99 or NGC 4621) is an elliptical galaxy about 50 million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo. This galaxy has many globular clusters: estimated to be about 2,300. This is far more than the roughly 200 orbiting the Milky Way, but dwarfed by the 13,450 orbiting the supergiant elliptical galaxy Messier 87. Lot’s of background galaxies in this view including NGC 4606 and NGC 4607 in the upper left corner and NGC 4638 and NGC 4637 in the lower right corner.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 75 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: June 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 60 (M60) ARP 116

Messier 60 or M60, also known as NGC 4649, is an elliptical galaxy approximately 57 million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo. Together with NGC 4647, a spiral galaxy, it forms a pair known as Arp 116.
The Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies is a catalog of peculiar galaxies produced by Halton Arp in 1966. A total of 338 galaxies are presented in the atlas, which was originally published in 1966 by the California Institute of Technology. The primary goal of the catalog was to present photographs of examples of the different kinds of peculiar structures found among galaxies.
A 2012 Hubble image of this galaxy seems to confirm they are indeed interacting with each other.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 95 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 31, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Galaxy M61 in Virgo

Messier 61 (also known as M61 or NGC 4303) an intermediate barred spiral galaxy in the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. It has a magnitude of 10.2 and is roughly 52 million light years away from Earth. Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 81 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 7, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster M62

Globular Cluster Messier 62 (M62 or NGC 6266) is a cluster that can be found in the constellation of Ophiuchus. This cluster was photographed in July 16, 2015 nd the final image is a stack of 18 thirty second exposures at ISO 3200 using a Canon 6D at prime focus of a Celestron 6" telescope. The imaging system was mounted on an iOptron ZEQ25 equatorial mount. M62 lies at a distance of about 22,500 light-years. Software used to create this image include DeepSkyStacker (for stacking the individual frames), ImagePlus (for initial stretching and post processing), and Corel Paintshop Pro X5 for the final image adjustments.

M63 - The Sunflower Galaxy

Here is a view of the Sunflower Galaxy, Messier 63 (M63, NGC 5055) found in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is a spiral galaxy surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. It is also a member of a group of galaxies referred to as the M51 Group. The Sunflower Galaxy lies roughly 37 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 9.3. This has been one of my favorite galaxies to image during galaxy season.
Distance to Earth: 27 million light yearsRadius: 49,000 light yearsRight ascension: 13h 15m 49.3sDeclination: +42°01’45”Apparent Magnitude: 9.3Apparent dimensions: 12′.6 x 7′.2Stars: 400 billionCommon Name: Sunflower Galaxy
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

The Black Eye Galaxy – Messier 64 (M64) in Coma Berenices

Galaxy season is here! This is the Black Eye Galaxy (also called Sleeping Beauty Galaxy or Evil Eye Galaxy and designated Messier 64, M64, or NGC 4826) is a relatively isolated spiral galaxy 17 million light-years away in the mildly northern constellation of Coma Berenices. A dark band of absorbing dust partially in front of its bright nucleus gave rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye", "Evil Eye", or "Sleeping Beauty" galaxy. (ref: Wikipedia)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 56m 43.696sDeclination: +21° 40′ 57.57″Distance: 17.3 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.52
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 76 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 65 in Leo

The Leo Triplet is a small group of galaxies in the constellation Leo and include Messier 65 (M65), Messier 66 (M66) and NGC 3628 (a beautiful edge-on spiral galaxy). The trio is estimated to be some 30-million light-years away. In this image, M65 is in the upper right, M66 in the lower right and NGC 3628 on the left.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 93 x 60 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, focus using a ZWO EAF. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 3, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 66 in Leo

Messier 67 - Open Cluster in Cancer

Messier 67 (also known as M67 or NGC 2682) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cancer. It has the nickname King Cobra cluster, not sure where that name came from but would love to know. The cluster is about 2,800 light-years away from Earth. From Burnham's Celestial Handbook, Volume 1, "It is a compact group, some 15' in diameter, and containing 500 or more members, from the 10th to the 16th magnitudes."
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -20C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: April 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Messier 69 – A Globular Cluster in Sagittarius

M69 (NGC 6637) is a globular cluster located in the constellation Sagittarius. M69 is about 30,000 light-years from Earth and measures about 42 light-years across. It lies fairly close to M70, a mere 1,800 light-years away and is close to the galactic center.
This image is composed of 28 x 15 second images at ISO 3200 with additional dark and bias frames. Tech Info: Meade LX90 12” telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, and Canon 6D camera. Imaging was done on August 30, 2016.

Globular Cluster M70

Globular Cluster Messier 70 (M70 or NGC 6681) is a globular cluster that can be found in the constellation Sagittarius. This cluster was photographed in July 2015 and the final image is a stack of 14 thirty-second exposures (seven minutes total) at ISO 3200 using a Canon 6D at prime focus of a Celestron 6″ telescope. The imaging system was mounted on an iOptron ZEQ25 equatorial mount for guiding.

Globular Cluster Messier 71 in Sagitta

Messier 71 (M71 or NGC 6838) is a globular cluster in the small northern constellation Sagitta and is about 12,000 light years away from Earth. Up until the 1970’s this cluster was designated as a densely packed open cluster because of the loose central region, today it is designated as a loosely concentrated globular cluster with a young age of 9-10 billion years.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: X-XIConstellation: SagittaRight ascension: 19h 53m 46.49sDeclination: +18° 46′ 45.1″Apparent magnitude (V): 8.2Apparent dimensions (V): 7.2'
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI290MC (on Orion 60mm Guidescope), ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 72 x 60 seconds at 0C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: June 5, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 72 - Globular Cluster

Messier 72 (M72 or NGC 6981) is a globular cluster found in the constellation Aquarius. It is one of the smaller and fainter globular clusters in the Messier list. Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: September 28, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 74 - Face-On Spiral Galaxy

This is the face-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces known as Messier 74 (M74). At a distance of 32 million light-years, this galaxy sports two beautiful spiral arms, it contains an estimated 100 billion stars. Combined images from 11/7/21 and 1/31/22.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 7, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 75 – Globular Cluster in the Constellation Sagittarius

Messier 75 (M75 or NGC 6864) is a compact (class I) globular cluster found in the constellation Sagittarius. It is about 67,500 light years away and has an apparent visual magnitude of 8.5.
Tech Specs: This image is composed of 32 x 15 second images (8-minutes total) at ISO 3200 with 5 x 15 second dark frames and 5 x 1/4000 second bias frames. Equipment: Meade LX90 12” telescope and Canon 6D camera mounted on a Celestron CGEM-DX mount, unguided. Software: DeepSkyStacker, ImagesPlus, and Adobe Lightroom. Imaging was done on September 1, 2016. Location: Weatherly, Pennsylvania.

Messier 76 – The Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus

The Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76 (M76), NGC 650/651, is a planetary nebula in northern constellation Perseus. Distance to M76 is currently estimated as 780 parsecs or 2,500 light years. The total nebula shines at the apparent magnitude of +10.1. The Little Dumbbell Nebula derives its common name from its resemblance to the Dumbbell Nebula (M27) in Vulpecula. It was originally thought to consist of two separate emission nebulae so bears New General Catalogue numbers NGC 650 and 651.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 77 in Cetus

Messier 77, also known as ARP 37 (#37 in Arp's Catalog of Peculiar Galaxies) is a barred spiral galaxy about 47 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus. M77 is the first galaxy in the Arp catalog listed as a low surface brightness galaxy with companions on the arms. First image processed using PixInsight software.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 90 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: November 11 and December 4, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Reflection Nebula Messier 78 in the Constellation Orion

Here is a view of the reflection nebula named Messier 78 in the constellation Orion. This view is just under 2 hours of data using a standard Canon 6D camera. From Wikipedia, “M78 is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula of a group of nebulae that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067 and NGC 2071. This group belongs to the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex and is about 1,600 light years distant from Earth.”
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, 115 x 60 second exposures at ISO 3200, imaged on March 16 and 19, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory in Weatherly, PA.

M79 Globular Cluster

M79 Globular Cluster, 09 March 2013, taken with my Canon T4i and Meade 12" LX90 scope.
Messier 79 (also known as M79 or NGC 1904) is a globular cluster in the Lepus constellation. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. M79 is at a distance of about 41,000 light years away from Earth and 60,000 light years away from the Galactic Center.

Globular Cluster M80 in Scorpius

Globular Cluster Messier 80 (M80 or NGC 6093) is a globular cluster that can be found in the constellation Scorpius. M80 lies at a distance of about 32,600 light-years and is one of the densest globular clusters in our galaxy.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 10 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: June 23, 2019. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 81 – Bode’s Galaxy in Ursa Major

Messier 81 (M81) is a large spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It is referred to as Bode’s Galaxy as it was first discovered by Johann Elert Bode in 1774 and later picked up by Messier and added to his catalog. The magnitude is listed at a bright 6.9 and the distance is about 11,800,000 light-years away from Earth.
Messier 81 is the largest galaxy in the M81 Group, a group of 34 galaxies located in the constellation Ursa Major. At approximately 11.8 million light years from the Earth, it makes this group and the Local Group, containing the Milky Way, relative neighbors in the Virgo Supercluster. (Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 108x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 82 - Starburst Galaxy in Ursa Major

Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is a starburst galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major and a member of the M81 Group. It is about five times more luminous than the whole Milky Way and has a center one hundred times more luminous than our galaxy’s center. The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81. As the closest starburst galaxy (check the Wikipedia reference) to our own, M82 is the prototypical example of this galaxy type.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 09h 55m 52.2sDeclination: +69° 40′ 47″Distance: 11.4–12.4 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.41
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO AS071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO ASIAir Plus, ZWO EAF, 180 x 60 second exposures, darks from the library and flats after the imaging session. Image Date: October 27, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 84 (M84)

Messier 84 or M84, also known as NGC 4374, is a giant elliptical galaxy in the constellation Virgo. It is in the bottom right corner of my image. It is the 84th object in the Messier Catalogue and in the heavily populated core of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies, part of the local supercluster. Radio observations and Hubble Space Telescope images of M84 have revealed two jets of matter shooting out from its center as well as a disk of rapidly rotating gas and stars indicating the presence of a supermassive black hole. NGC 4388, a spiral galaxy is in the upper left corner of my image.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 68 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 85 (M85)

Messier 85 (M85) is a lenticular or elliptical galaxy located in the Virgo Cluster of galaxies in the constellation Coma Berenices. M85 is the large galaxy on the top of the image. It is about 60 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10. Messier 85 is interacting with two nearby galaxies designated NGC 4394 (the barred spiral galaxy on the bottom) and MCG 3-32-38 (the tiny elliptical galaxy just to the right of M85).
Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 25m 24.0s Declination: +18°11’28” Distance: 60 million light years (18.5 megaparsecs) Number of stars: 400 billionApparent magnitude: +10.0Apparent dimensions: 7′.1 x 5′.5Radius: 62,500 light years
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 58 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 26, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 86 (M86)

Messier 86 (also known as M86 or NGC 4406) is an elliptical galaxy in the constellation Virgo. Messier 86 is linked by several filaments of ionized gas to the severely disrupted spiral galaxy NGC 4438 (on the right side of my image), indicating that M86 may have stripped some gas and interstellar dust from the spiral. Messier 86 has a rich array of globular clusters, with a total number of around 3,800. Its halo also has a number of stellar streams interpreted as remnants of dwarf galaxies that have been disrupted and absorbed by this galaxy. (ref: Wikipedia).
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 87

Elliptical galaxy Messier 87 (M87) is a huge galaxy in the constellation Virgo. It is home to several trillion stars and about 15,000 globular clusters, pretty hard to imagine. It is also home to a supermassive black hole that was recently imagined by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration. The inset image shows the stream of plasma being ejected from that same black hole.
Technical Card:• Distance to Earth: 53.49 million light years• Radius: 60 light years• Apparent mass: ~2,400 billion M☉• Apparent size (V): 7.2 × 6.8 moa• Coordinates: RA 12h 30m 49s | Dec +12° 23′ 28″
Imaging Specs: Meade 12" LX90, Canon 6D, 62 x 60 seconds at ISO 3200 (includes darks, bias and flats), guided, stacked with DSS, processed with ImagesPlus. Image Date: April 22, 2019. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 88 - A Spiral Galaxy to Envy

Messier 88 (M88 or NGC 4501) is about 47 million light years away in the direction of the constellation Coma Berenices and belongs to the Virgo Cluster. I simply love how this galaxy poses for photographs, it’s hard to pick a bad angle with its symmetrical arms and well defined spiral. In this image, I used 60 x 60 second exposures shooting at f/10 on my Meade 12” LX-90 telescope using the ZWO ASI071mc-Pro cooled to 5C.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 60 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 26, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 89 in Virgo

Messier 89 (M89 or NGC 4552) is an elliptical galaxy found in the constellation Virgo and is a member of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. It has an apparent magnitude of 10.73 and is about 50,000,000 light-years away from Earth. The two galaxies off to the right are NGC 4551 and NGC 4550 (magnitude 12.5 and 13.0)Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 54 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: 18 March 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Galaxy Messier 90 (NGC 4569, Arp 76)

M90 (NGC 4569, Arp 76, UGC 7786 and others) is an intermediate spiral galaxy located approximately 58 million light-years away in Virgo. Halton Arp included M90 in his Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies as Arp 76, describing the galaxy as a “Spiral with a High Surface Brightness Companion.” He may have been talking about the galaxy IC 3583, the irregular-looking galaxy to the left of M90.
Observation data (Epoch J2000):Constellation: VirgoRight ascension: 12h 36m 49.8sDeclination: +13° 09′ 46″Apparent dimension (V): 9.5’ × 4.4’Apparent magnitude (V): 10.26
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 81 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).

Galaxy Messier 91 (M91)

Messier 91 (also known as NGC 4548 or M91) is a barred spiral galaxy that is found in the south of the constellation Coma Berenices. It is in the local supercluster and is part of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. It is about 63 million light-years away from our galaxy. Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 54 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 19, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Globular Cluster Messier 92 (M92 or NGC 6341)

M92 is a bright, compact globular cluster located in the northern section of Hercules. I think Robert Burnham said it best, “This is a beautiful rich globular cluster which in almost any other constellation would be considered a major show object; in Hercules it has been somewhat overshadowed by the splendor of the fabulous M13.” (Burnham’s Celestial Handbook – Volume 2 – Robert Burnham Jr.).
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IVConstellation: HerculesRight ascension: 17h 17m 07.39sDeclination: +43° 08′ 09.4″[2]Distance: 27,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.4Apparent dimensions (V): 14' arc minutes
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 81 x 60 seconds at 0C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: April 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Open Cluster M93 in Puppis

Messier 93 (also known as M 93 or NGC 2447) is an open cluster in the constellation Puppis. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1782. M93 is at a distance of about 3,600 light years from Earth and has a spatial radius of some 10 to 12 light years. Its age is estimated at some 100 million years. This image taken using a Canon T3i mounted at prime focus on a Meade LX-90 12" telescope. Only a 10 second exposure at ISO 1600.

Messier 94 (M94) in Canes Venatici

This is the spiral galaxy named Messier 94 (M94 or NGC 4736) found in the constellation Canes Venatici. It has an apparent magnitude of 8.99 and is about 16 million light-years away from Earth.
From NASA - New stars are forming at a high rate within the bright ring. This region is known as a starburst ring. The cause of this peculiarly shaped star-forming region is likely a pressure wave traveling outward from the galactic center, compressing the gas and dust in the outer regions. The compression of material means the gas starts to collapse into denser clouds. Inside these dense clouds, gravity pulls the gas and dust together until the temperature and pressure are high enough for stars to be born.
Observation data (Epoch J2000)Constellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 12h 50m 53.1sDeclination: +41° 07′ 14″Apparent dimension (V): 11.2’ × 9.1’Apparent magnitude (V): 8.99
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 66 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: January 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 95 (M95)

Messier 95 (also known as M95 or NGC 3351) is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo, it is about 33 million light-years away from Earth. M95 has a magnitude of 9.7 and has around 40 billion stars.
Its spiral arms host a flurry of star birth activity and sparkle with the light of countless young, blue stars. The arms themselves are very tightly wound around the galaxy’s core and are nearly circular (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/messier-95).
M95 is one of several galaxies within the M96 Group, a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo, the other Messier objects of which are M96 and M105.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 96 - A Spiral Galaxy in Leo

Messier 96 (also known as M96 or NGC 3368) is a spiral galaxy about 35 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. It is categorized as a double-barred spiral galaxy with a small inner bulge through the core along with an outer bulge.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 108 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 20, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 97 - The Owl Nebula

The Owl Nebula (also known as Messier 97, M97 or NGC 3587) is a planetary nebula located approximately 2,030 light years away in the constellation Ursa Major. The owl-like appearance is caused by various formed shells expanding away from the central star.
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 11h 14m 47.734sDeclination: +55° 01′ 08.50″Distance: 2,030 lyApparent magnitude (V): 9.9Apparent dimensions (V): 3′.4 × 3′.3Constellation: Ursa Major
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 239 x 60 second exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInisght. Image Date: December 19, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 98

Messier 98, also known as M98 or NGC 4192, is an intermediate spiral galaxy located about 44 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices, about 6° to the east of the bright star Denebola.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 54 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Spiral Galaxy Messier 99

Messier 99 or M99 (NGC 4254) in the constellation Coma Berenices is a spiral galaxy approximately 56 million light-years away from Earth. Burnham states, “The spiral pattern is very well defined, although somewhat asymmetric, with an unusually far-extending arm on the west side….”
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 18m 49.625sDeclination: +14° 24′ 59.36″Distance: 45.2 MlyGroup or cluster: Virgo ClusterApparent magnitude (V): 9.9
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 73 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 100 (M100)

Messier 100 (also known as NGC 4321 or the Mirror Galaxy) is a grand design intermediate spiral galaxy in the southern part of the mildly northern Coma Berenices. It is one of the brightest and largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and is approximately 55 million light-years from our galaxy, its diameter being 107,000 light years. (ref: Wikipedia) The last time I imaged this galaxy was March 2023 when the dwarf planet Ceres was passing between the Earth and Messier 100 spiral arms.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 22m 54.9sDeclination: +15° 49′ 21″Distance: 55 MlyGroup or cluster: Virgo ClusterApparent magnitude (V): 9.3
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 162 x 60 seconds (2 hours and 42 minutes), Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: February 5, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

The Pinwheel Galaxy – Messier 101

The Pinwheel Galaxy (also known as Messier 101, M101 or NGC 5457) is a face-on spiral galaxy 21 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. The giant spiral disk of stars, dust and gas is 170,000 light-years across — nearly twice the diameter of our galaxy, the Milky Way. M101 is estimated to contain at least one trillion stars. The galaxy’s spiral arms are sprinkled with large regions of star-forming nebulas. These nebulas are areas of intense star formation within giant molecular hydrogen clouds. Brilliant, young clusters of hot, blue, newborn stars trace out the spiral arms. (ref: Wikipedia and NASA)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 14h 03m 12.6sDeclination: +54° 20′ 57″Distance: 20.9 ± 1.8 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 7.9
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 47 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: February 5, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

The Spindle Galaxy Messier 102

Messier 102 (M102), also known as the Spindle Galaxy, is an edge-on lenticular galaxy located in the northern constellation Draco. The Spindle Galaxy lies at a distance of 50 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10.7. It has the designation NGC 5866 in the New General Catalogue.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 57 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 19, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Open Cluster Messier 103

This is another session on open cluster Messier 103 (M103) using the Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope operating at 1600mm.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 15 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Sombrero Galaxy Messier 104

The Sombrero Galaxy, Messier 104 (M104) is in the constellation Virgo. From my vantage point, it just makes it high enough over the roof of my house to capture some photons a few nights a year. The Sombrero Galaxy is about 50,000,000 light years away with an apparent magnitude of 8.3. Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 81 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 20, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 105 (M105) and Friends

The galaxies M105, NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 form a nice galactic triplet in the constellation Leo. M105 is the elliptical galaxy on the bottom of the image, NGC 3384 is the elliptical galaxy on the upper right and NGC 3373 is a spiral galaxy on the upper left. Magnitudes for these galaxies are 9.3 for M105, 10.0 for NGC 3384 and 11.8 for NGC 3373. The distance to these galaxies is roughly 30+ million light years.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy Messier 106 (M106)

Messier 106 (also known as NGC 4258) is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. M106 is at a distance of about 22 to 25 million light-years away from Earth. M106 contains an active nucleus classified as a Type 2 Seyfert, and the presence of a central supermassive black hole has been demonstrated from radio-wavelength observations of the rotation of a disk of molecular gas orbiting within the inner light-year around the black hole. NGC 4217 is a possible companion galaxy of Messier 106. (ref: Wikipedia)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 12h 18m 57.5sDeclination: +47° 18′ 14″Distance: 23.7 ± 1.5 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.4Size: 135,000 ly (in diameter)Apparent size (V): 18′.6 × 7′.2
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 108 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: March 7, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 107 in Ophiuchus

Messier 107 (M107) is a loose globular cluster found in the constellation Ophiuchus. M107 is about 20,900 light-years away from Earth. It is the last globular cluster in the Messier Catalog.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 15 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: July 20, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Messier 108 - The Surfboard Galaxy

Messier 108 (M108 or NGC 3556), nicknamed the Surfboard Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. The galaxy lies at an approximate distance of 45.9 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10.7. This image combines data collected in 2021 and 2023 for a total of 3 hours 19 minutes of light.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 11h 11m 31.0sDeclination: +55° 40′ 27″Distance: 8.8 Mpc (28.7 Mly)Apparent magnitude (V): 10.0
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO ASIAir Pro, ZWO EAF. 196 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 5, 2021 and January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Messier 109 – A Barred Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major

This is the barred-spiral galaxy Messier 109 (M109 or NGC 3992) found in the constellation Ursa Major. M109 is about 83 million light years away from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10.6. M109 has several satellite galaxies all visible in this image. Estimates indicate that this galaxy contains about 1 trillion stars!
Distance to Earth: 83 million light yearsApparent Magnitude: 10.6Right ascension: 11h 57m 36.0sDeclination: +53° 22′ 28″Apparent dimensions: 7.6 × 4.7 arc minutes
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 135 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: January 3, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Elliptical Galaxy Messier 110 (M110)

We have all seen Messier 110 (M110) thousands of times, and many of us have probably never realized it. It has has always shared the spotlight with it's larger neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy. The fuzzy elliptical ball hovering over (or under, depending on your perspective) Andromeda, is, in fact, another galaxy called M110. If you look close, you can see some dark patches near the central part of the sphere. This galaxy is classified as a peculiar elliptical galaxy because of these dark structures and signs of recent star formation. It is hard to think about this small fuzzy ball of a galaxy containing over 10 billion stars! Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Canon 6D stock camera, ISO 3200, 75 x 60 second exposures with dark/bias frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: October 30, 2018. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

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