Dubhe
Bode’s Galaxy – Messier 81

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 … [Read more…]
Polaris: The North Star

Polaris, also known as the North Star, Alpha Ursae Minoris or Star of Arcady, is the brightest star in Ursa Minor constellation. Polaris is notable for currently being the closest bright star to the North Celestial Pole. The pole marks true north, which makes the North Star important in navigation, as the star’s elevation above … [Read more…]
Little Dipper

Little Dipper is a prominent asterism in the northern sky, formed by the brightest stars of Ursa Minor constellation. The asterism is often confused for the whole constellation, much like the Big Dipper is sometimes confused for Ursa Major, the Great Bear, but it is only the brightest part of the constellation.
Highlights of the April Sky
Here are some of the highlights of the night sky in April: 9 PM western sky – Jupiter hanging over the western horizon 9 PM eastern sky – Mars hanging over the eastern horizon, up throughout the night 11 PM southeastern sky – Saturn rising after sunset 11 PM eastern sky – on April 16, … [Read more…]
Big Dipper

The Big Dipper is one of the most easily recognizable asterisms in the night sky, found in the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. The Big Dipper is well-known in many cultures and goes by many names, among them the Plough, the Great Wagon, Saptarishi, and the Saucepan. The asterism is particularly prominent in the … [Read more…]