Bode’s Galaxy, also known as Messier 81 (M81), is a grand design spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. M81 is one of the brightest galaxies seen from Earth. It has a near-perfect spiral shape, with prominent, well-defined spiral arms winding from the central region outwards. The galaxy is located approximately 11.8 million light years … [Read more…]
The Owl Nebula, also known as Messier 97 (M97), is a planetary nebula located in Ursa Major. The nebula lies at an approximate distance of 2,030 light years from Earth. It is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a pair of owl-like eyes, that can be seen in larger telescopes. The estimated age of the Owl … [Read more…]
The Sunflower Galaxy, also known as Messier 63 (M63), is a bright spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. The galaxy lies at a distance of 37 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 9.3. It has the designation NGC 5055 in the New General Catalogue.
The Omega Nebula, also known as Messier 17 (M17), is a bright emission nebula located in Sagittarius constellation. It was named Omega for its resemblance to the Greek letter omega, Ω. The nebula has the designation NGC 6618 in the New General Catalogue. It is also known as the Swan Nebula, Horseshoe Nebula, Lobster Nebula, … [Read more…]
The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as Messier 83 (M83), is a barred spiral galaxy located in Hydra constellation. M83 lies at a distance of 15 million light years from Earth. It is one of the nearest and brightest spiral galaxies, and can even be seen in binoculars. The galaxy appears face-on when viewed from Earth. … [Read more…]
The Black Eye Galaxy, also known as Messier 64 (M64), is a famous spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. The galaxy is also sometimes called the Evil Eye Galaxy or Sleeping Beauty Galaxy. It has the designation NGC 4826 in the New General Catalogue. M64 lies at an approximate distance of 24 million … [Read more…]
The Trifid Nebula, also known as Messier 20 (M20), is a large star-forming region located in the southern constellation Sagittarius. The nebula’s name means “divided into three lobes,” and refers to the object consisting of three types of nebulae and an open star cluster. The open cluster is surrounded by an emission nebula, a reflection … [Read more…]
The supernova SN 2014J is a Type Ia supernova first detected in January 2014 in the Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82), in Ursa Major. SN 2014J is the nearest Type Ia supernova event observed in the last 42 years. It reached peak magnitude of 10.5 and was bright enough to be seen by amateur astronomers.
The Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 27 (M27), is a bright, large planetary planetary nebula located in Vulpecula constellation. The nebula lies at a distance of 1,360 light years from Earth. It is sometimes also called the Apple Core Nebula or Diablo Nebula, and has the designation NGC 6853 in the New General Catalogue. The … [Read more…]
Messier 106 (M106) is a spiral galaxy located in the northern constellation Canes Venatici. The galaxy lies at a distance of 22 to 25 million light years from Earth. It has the designation NGC 4258 in the New General Catalogue.