The Night Sky for May 2012
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Pisces at the beggining of the month and moves into Taurus. It is best viewed on Sunday 27 May at 0450BST (0350UT). |
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Venus – is best viewed on Tuesday 1 May at ; 2100BST (2000UT) and can be found in the constellation of Taurus. ; |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo and is best placed to view on Tuesday 1 May at 2200BST (2100UT). ; |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Not visible this month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Sunday 15 April at 0111BST (0011UT). |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is not visible this month. ; |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible this month. ; |
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Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.1.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Cetus at the beginning of the month with a visual magnitude of +8.8. ; It then moves into Aries towards the end of the month with a visual magnitude of +9.0.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Pisces and is at visual magnitude +10.3.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +10.3.
Vesta ;- Is in the the constellation of Pisces at the beginning of the month with a visual magnitude of +8.2. ; It then moves into the constellation of Aries towards the end of the month and will be at magnitude +8.4.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Eta Aquariids – This is a major meteor shower and on Saturday 5 May. ; At maximum 70 meteors per hour can be expected, but the full Moon could make observations difficult.
Eta Lyrids – This is a minor shower which is very weak and only usually produces 3 meteors per hour. ; The shower is expected to peak on Tuesday 8 May.
C/2009 P1 Garradd ;can be found in the constellation of Lynx at the beginning of May and will work it's way into Cancer by the end of the month. ;It is at magnitude +9.6 at the beginning of May and should be about +10.5 by the end of the month and can be seen in binoculars.
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Monthly Sky Challenge
Tuesday 1 May
A challenge to start the month, NGC4244. ; Also known as Caldwell 26 or the Silver Needle Galaxy. ; It's a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici and is at magnitude +10.39 putting it within the range of binocular users.
Wednesday 2 May
NGC5033 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Coma Berenices.
Thursday 3 May
NGC5987 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Lyra. ; It has a magnitude of +8.5.
Friday 4 May
M67 is an open cluster in the constellation of Cancer.
Saturday 5 May
Alpha2 Canum Venaticorum, also known as Cor Coroli is a variable double star in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It's two stars are magnitude +2.89 and +5.60.
Sunday 6 May
M53 is an globular cluster in Coma Berenices. ; It can be seen as a bright fuzzy patch in binoculars..
Full Moon.
Monday 7 May
Alpha Herculis, also known as Rasalgethi is a variable double star with a magnitude of +3.36 and +5.27.
Tuesday 8 May
M94 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +8.9.
Wednesday 9 May
NGC6629 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Hercules. ;
Thursday 10 May
Mellotte 111 is an open cluster in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +1.8.
Friday 11 May
NGC6905. the Blue Flash Nebula can be found in the constellation Delphinus and is a planetary nebula with a magnitude of +10.89.
Saturday 12 May
M64, the Black Eye Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +8.50.
Sunday 13 May
NGC4490, the Cocoon Nebula is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.80. ;
Last quarter Moon.
Monday 14 May
NGC5466 is a globular cluster in Boötes with a magnitude of +9.03.
Tuesday 15 May
M13 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Hercules with a magnitude of +5.78.
Wednesday 16 May
Zeta1 Coronae Borealis is a double star with magnitudes of +5.92 and 5.03.
Thursday 17 May
M3 is a globular cluster in Canes Venatici it has a magnitude of +6.3 and is visible with binoculars.
Friday18 May
NGC4449 is an irregular galaxy in Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.60.
Saturday 19 May
IC1276 is a globular cluster in Serpens with a magnitude of +10.34.
Sunday 20 May
NGC4473 is an elliptical galaxy in Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +10.19.
New Moon
Monday 21 May
NGC5248 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Boötes with a magnitude of +10.30.
Tuesday 22 May
NGC6712 is a globular cluster in Scutum with a magnitude of +8.10.
Wednesday 23 May
NGC4889 is an elliptical galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +11.50.
Thursday 24 April
M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +8.39.
Friday 25 May
NGC4559 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +10.00.
Saturday 26 May
M11, the Wild Duck Cluster is an open cluster in Scutum with a magnitude of +5.80.
Sunday 27 May
NGC5005 is a spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.80.
Monday 28 May
NGC6934 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Delphinus with a magnitude of +8.82.
First quarter Moon.
Tuesday 29 May
NGC4631 is a barred spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, sometimes called the Whale Galaxy. ; It has a magnitude of +9.19.
Wednesday 30 May
NGC4477 is a spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +10.39.
Thursday 31 May
NGC7006 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Delphinus with a magnitude of +10.56.
The Night Sky for April 2012
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Pisces. It is best viewed on Wednesday 18 April at 1900BST (1800UT). |
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Venus – is best viewed on Sunday 1 April from 2100BST (2000UT) and can be found in the constellation of Taurus. Venus is at magnitude -4.3 at the beginning of the month whilst brightening to -4.4 towards the end of April |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo and is best placed to view on Sunday 1 April at 2200BST (2100UT). |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellations of Aries. It's best placed to view on Sunday 1 April at 21.00BST (2000UT). |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Sunday 15 April at 0111BST (0011UT). |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is not visible this month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible this month. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Pisces with a visual magnitude of +9.0.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Pisces and is at visual magnitude +10.4.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +10.7.
Vesta - Is in the the constellation of Cetus with a visual magnitude of +8.1.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Lyrids. – This meteor shower is active between Monday 16 April and Thursday 26 April, with the peak of activate taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April. Lyrid meteors are often described as being very bright, medium speed and often leave a glowing trail. Fireballs can also happen with this particular meteor shower.
C/2006 S3 LONEOS can be found in the constellation of Serpens and starts the month at magnitude of +12.5 and will be +12.3 by the end of the month.
C/2009 P1 Garradd can be found in the constellation of Ursa Major at the beginning of April and will work it's way into Lyra by the end of the month. It is at magnitude +8.0 at the beginning of April and should be about +9.3 and can be seen in binoculars.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Sunday 1 April
Lets start the month with an easy object – the pole star. Polaris is in the constellation of Ursa Minor and is a variable double star. The two stars magnitude are +2.00 and +9.00.
Monday 2 April
M49 is an elliptical galaxy found in the constellation of Virgo with a magnitude of +8.31.
Tuesday 3 April
M57, the Ring Nebula can be found in the constellation of Lyra. It's a planetary nebula with a magnitude of +8.80.
Wednesday 4 April
Another easy one for you, M45, the Pleiades is an open cluster in Taurus. With a magnitude of +1.50 it's easy to spot with the naked eye, providing you have reasonable conditions.
Thursday 5 April
M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici is a spiral galaxy with a magnitude of +8.01.
Friday 6 April
M15 is a globular cluster in Pegasus with a magnitude of +6.19.
Full Moon.
Saturday 7 April
NGC6818, the Little Gem Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius. It has a magnitude of +9.39.
Sunday 8 April
M3 a globular cluster in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +5.9.
Monday 9 April
NGC6826, the Blinking Planetary Nebula can be found in the constellation of Cygnus. The planetary nebula has a magnitude of +8.89.
Tuesday 10 April
NGC1990, Epsilon Orionis Nebula is a bright nebula in Orion with a magnitude of +10.00.
Wednesday 11 April
NGC4038 and NGC4039 are known as the Antennae Galaxies. They are a pair of spiral galaxies which are located in the constellation Corvus. NGC4038 has a magnitude of +10.19 and NGC4039 has a magnitude of +11.03.
Thursday 12 April
NGC7023 (Caldwell 4), the Iris Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.19.
Friday 13 April
NGC3242, known as the Ghost of Jupiter Nebula. It's a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Hydra with a magnitude of +7.30.
Last quarter Moon.
Saturday 14 April
NGC2419, the Intergalactic Wonderer is a globular cluster in the constellation of Lynx. It has a magnitude of +10.39.
Sunday 15 April
NGC6822, Barnards Galaxy is an irregular galaxy located in Sagittarius with a magnitude of +9.34.
Monday 16 April
NGC1432, Maia Nebula is a bright nebula in Taurus with a magnitude of +3.90.
Tuesday 17 April
NGC 2024, Flaming Star Nebula can be found in Auriga and is a bright nebula with a magnitude of +10.00.
Wednesday18 April
M5 in Serpens is a globular cluster with a magnitude of +5.7.
Thursday 19 April
Caldwell 9, the Cave Nebula is a bright nebula in Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.69.
Friday 20 April
NGC2685, the Helix Nebula is a spiral galaxy located in Ursa Major with a magnitude of +11.30.
Saturday 21 April
NGC7789, Carolines Rose can be found in Cassiopeia and is on open cluster with a magnitude of +6.69.
New Moon.
Sunday 22 April
Sharpless 2-261, Lower's Nebula is a bright nebula in Orion with a magnitude of +10.00.
Monday 23 April
NGC281, the Pacman Nebula is a bright nebula in Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +7.40.
Tuesday 24 April
IC2177, the Seagull Nebula is a bright nebula in Monoceros with a magnitude of +10.00. This nebula can be found on the border between Monoceros and Canis Major.
Wednesday 25 April
This one is quite challenging so you may even struggle to find it. Abell 21, the Medusa Nebula is a planetary nebula in Gemini with a magnitude of +10.19. This is an old planetary nebula so is rather faint and is on the border with Canis Minor.
Thursday 26 April
NGC2359, Thor's Helmet is a bright nebula in Canis Major with a magnitude of +11.50.
Friday 27 April
M68 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Hydra with a magnitude of +7.84.
Saturday 28 April
NGC457, the Dragonfly Cluster is an open cluster in Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +6.40.
Sunday 29 April
M16, the Eagle Nebula is a bright nebula in Serpens with a magnitude of +6.40.
First quarter Moon.
Monday 30 April
NGC4568 and NGC4567, the Siamese Twins are two spiral galaxies in the constellation of Virgo. NGC4568 has a magnitude of 10.81 and NGC4567 has a magnitude of +11.35
The Night Sky for March 2012
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Pisces and is at magnitude -0.4. It is best viewed on Monday 5 March at 1900UT. |
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Venus – is best viewed on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 March from 1930UT and can be found in the constellation of Aries. Venus is at magnitude -4.1 |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo and is at magnitude -1.2. It is best placed to view on Saturday 3 March at 0030UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellations of Aries and is at magnitude -2.0. It's best placed to view on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 March from 1930UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Saturday 31 March at 0100BST. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Sunday 4 March at 1845UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible this month. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Cetus with a visual magnitude of +9.2.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Aquarius and is at visual magnitude +10.2.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Scorpius with a visual magnitude of +11.1.
Vesta - Is in the the constellation of Aquarius with a visual magnitude of +8.2.
Meteor Showers and Comets
No meteor showers this month.
78P/Gehrels can be found in the constellation of Aries and is at a visual magnitude of +12.8
C/2009 P1 Garradd can be found in the constellation of Ursa Minor at the beginning of March. It is at magnitude +7.8 and can be seen in binoculars.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Thursday 1 March
NGC7000, the North American Nebula is a bright nebula found in the constellation of Cygnus. It has a visual magnitude of +4.00 and can be observed with binoculars.
First quarter Moon.
2 March
M27, the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula found in the constellation of Vulpecula. It has a visual magnitude of +7.09 and can also be observed using binoculars.
Saturday 3 March
NGC884, Chi Persei is an open cluster in Perseus with a visual magnitude of +6.09. It's part of the cluster (with NGC884) that marks the scimitar of Perseus.
Sunday 4 March
Alpha Piscium, Alrischa is a variable double star in Pisces with a visual magnitude of 3.81 and +2.92. It's the third brightest star in the constellation and both stars are blueish white, though it's very difficult to resolve as two separate stars.
Monday 5 March
M1, the Crab Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Taurus and is at visual magnitude +8.39. This is probably the most famous supernova remnant in the known sky and is thought to be centuries old. The Chinese first recorded observations of the remnant were in 1054. The Crab Pulsar, which is a rotating neutron star is at the centre of the Crab Nebula..
Tuesday 6 March
NGC869 is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus with a visual magnitude of +5.33. The star cluster marks the scimitar that Perseus used to decapitate Medusa.
Wednesday 7 March
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Andromeda and is at visual magnitude +3.36. A telescope will be necessary to resolve any detail..
Full Moon.
Thursday 8 March
NGC6992, the Eastern Veil Nebula can be found in the constellation of Cygnus. It is at visual magnitude +5.00 and is another part of the supernova explosion which happened between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago..
Friday 9 March
M52 is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a visual magnitude of +6.90.
Saturday 10 March
Alpha Aquilae, Altair is a double star in Aquila with a visual magnitude of +0.93 and +9.72.
Sunday 11 March
M87 (NGC4486), Virgo A is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo with a visual magnitude of +8.63. This is the largest and brightest of the Virgo-Coma Galaxy Cluster. The galaxy is also a strong radio source.
Monday 12 March
M11, the Wild Duck Cluster is an open cluster in the constellation of Scutum and has a visual magnitude of +5.80 and is visible with binoculars.
Tuesday 13 March
NGC6543, the Cats Eye Nebula is a planetary nebula in Draco with a visual magnitude of +8.10. To resolve the bright blue disk and central star a large telescope would be required.
Wednesday 14 March
M48 is an open cluster in Hydra with a visual magnitude of +5.80. If you have good seeing conditions you may be able to observe this with the naked eye, though binoculars would be a better option.
Last quarter Moon.
Thursday 15 March
Beta Monocerotis is a variable double star in the constellation of Monoceros with a visual magnitude of +4.63 and +5.44.
Friday 16 March
M37 (NGC2099) is an open cluster in Auriga with a visual magnitude of +5.59.
Saturday 17 March
NGC1535 (sometimes called Cleopatra's Eye), a planetary nebula in the constellation of Eridanus. Has a visual magnitude of +9.39 and will need a large telescope to reveal any details.
Sunday18 March
Omicron Ceti, Mira is a long period pulsating variable double star in Cetus with visual magnitudes of +9.55 and +4.9. It's probably the best know of it's type>
Monday 19 March
Alpha Orionis, commonly known as Betelgeuse is a variable double star with a visual magnitude of +0.56 and +14.57. The star can be seen with the naked eye though a great deal of magnification will be required to separate the two stars.
Tuesday 20 March
NGC 2244 is an open cluster in Monoceros with a visual magnitude of +4.80. It's often listed as part of the Rosette Nebula and cluster.
Wednesday 21 March
M44, the Beehive Cluster is an open cluster in Cancer with a visual magnitude of +3.09 and is visible to the naked eye.
Thursday 22 March
M79 (NGC1904) is a globular cluster in Lepus with a visual magnitude of +7.73.
New Moon.
Friday 23 March
NGC2392, the Eskimo Nebula or Clown Face Nebula. A planetary nebula in the constellation of Gemini with a visual magnitude of +9.19. A larger telescope is required to see details within the nebula.
Saturday 24 March
M96 (NGC3368) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo with a visual magnitude of +9.22. The galaxy can be found near the middle of the constellation and forms a pair with M95.
Sunday 25 March
M78 (NGC2064) is a bright nebula in Orion and is considered to be the brightest reflection nebula in the sky. It has a visual magnitude of +8.30. It resembles a faint comet and if you have good conditions you should be able to make it out with a pair of binoculars, though a small telescope will show you the two illuminating stars.
Monday 26 March
M38 (NGC1912), the Starfish Cluster in Auriga is an open cluster with a visual magnitude of +6.40.
Tuesday 27 March
Alpha Leonis, Regulus is a double star in Leo with a visual magnitude of +1.40 and +8.18.
Wednesday 28 March
M46 (NGC2437) is an open cluster in the constellation of Puppis with a visual magnitude of +6.09. It can be observed with a pair of binoculars and has at last 150 stars in the cluster with magnitude of 10 to 13.
Thursday 29 March
M33 (NGC598), the Pinwheel Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in Triangulum. It has a visual magnitude of +5.80 and can be seen with binoculars, though is barely visible to t he naked eye.
Friday 30 March
Melotte 111 is an open cluster in Coma Berenices with a visual magnitude of +1.79. It contains approximately 40 stars with magnitudes from 4.35 to 10.5.
First quarter Moon.
Saturday 31 March
M104 (NGC4594), the Sombrero Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Virgo with a visual magnitude of +8.17.
The Night Sky For February 2012
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Pisces and is at magnitude -0.3. It is best viewed on Wednesday 29 February at 1830UT. |
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Venus – is best viewed on Wednesday 29 February at 1830UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. VEnus is at magnitude -4.1 |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo and is at magnituede -0.6. It is best placed to view on Wednesday 29 February at 0040UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellations of Aries. It's best placed to view on Wednesday 1 February at 1830UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Wednesday 29 February at 0320UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Wednesday 1 February at 1900UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible this month. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Cetus with a visual magnitude of +9.2.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Aquarius and is at visual magnitude +10.2.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Scorpius with a visual magnitude of +11.4.
Vesta - Is in the the constellation of Aquarius with a visual magnitude of +8.2.
Meteor Showers and Comets
No meteor showers this month.
78P/Gehrels can be found in the constellation of Pisces at a visual magnitude of +12.4
C/2009 P1 Garradd can be found in the constellation of Hercules and is at visual magnitude +7.5.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Wednesday 1 February
M11, the Wild Duck Cluster is an open cluster in the constellation of Scutum and has a visual magnitude of +5.80 and is visible with binoculars.
Thursday 2 February
NGC2392, the Eskimo Nebula or Clown Face Nebula. A planetary nebula in the constellation of Gemini with a visual magnitude of +9.19. A larger telescope is required to see details within the nebula.
Friday 3 February
NGC2237, the Rosette Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Monocerous. It has a visual magnitude of +5.50 and can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope, but a large telescope will be needed to see details.
Saturday 4 February
Beta Cephei also known as Alfirk is a variable double star in the constellation of Cepheus with a visual magnitude of +3.23.
Sunday 5 February
Collinder 106 is an open cluster in Monocerous with a visual magnitude of +4.59 and is visible with binoculars.
Monday 6 February
NGC869, a double cluster in the constellation of Perseus. It has a visual magnitude of +5.30 which means it's visible in binoculars but you'll see more details with a telescope.
Tuesday 7 February
NGC1535 (sometimes called Cleopatra's Eye), a planetary nebula in the constellation of Eridanus. Has a visual magnitude of +9.39 and will need a large telescope to reveal any details.
Full Moon.
Wednesday 8 February
M50, an open cluster in Monocerous with a visual magnitude of +5.90. If you have exceptionally dark skies you 'may' be able to see this with the naked eye though a pair of binoculars would probably be a better option.
Thursday 9 February
Eta Cassiopeiae, commonly known as Achird is a variable double star in Cassiopeia. The stars have a visible magnitude of +3.45 and +7.52.
Friday 10 February
M74 is a spiral galaxy in Pisces with a visual magnitude of +9.00.
Saturday 11 February
Tau Ceti is a double star in the constellation of Cetus which can be seen with the naked eye and has a visual magnitude of +3.49 and 13.09.
Sunday 12 February
M77, Cetus A is a spiral galaxy int the constellation of Cetus with a visual magnitude of +9.00.
Monday 13 February
Alpha Ursae Minoris, also know as Polaris is a variable double star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. It has a visual magnitude of +2.00 and +9.00 which can be seen with the naked eye, but a telescope would be required to resolve the two stars.
Tuesday 14 February
M45, the Pleiades is an open cluster in Taurus with a visual magnitude of +1.50. It's possible to see at last 6 stars clearly if you have a reasonably dark sky.
Last quarter Moon.
Wednesday 15 February
Barnard 33, better know as the Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula in Orion. It has no known visual magnitude and is difficult to see, but often photographed.
Thursday 16 February
Beta Persei, also know as Algol or the Demon Star is a variable star in the constellation of Perseus. It has a visual magnitude of +2.10 and can be seen with the naked eye.
Friday 17 February
Melotte 25, the Hyades another open cluster in Taurus with a visual magnitude of +0.50 which is visible to the naked eye. It's usually possible to see 5 stars with the naked eye.
Saturday18 February
Beta Orionis, Rigel is a variable double star with a visual magnitude of +0.28 and +10.38.
Sunday 19 February
M36, the Pinwheel Cluster is an open cluster in Auriga with a visual magnitude of +6.00.
Monday 20 February
Alpha Orionis, commonly known as Betelgeuse is a variable double star with a visual magnitude of +0.56 and +14.57. The star can be seen with the naked eye though a great deal of magnification will be required to separate the two stars.
Tuesday 21 February
Beta Monocerotis is a variable double star in the constellation of Monoceros with a visual magnitude of +4.63 and +5.44.
Wednesday 22 February
M95 is a barred-spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo. It has a visual magnitude of +9.77.
Thursday 23 February
HIP87937, also known as Barnards Star is a variable star in Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +9.53.
New Moon.
Friday 24 February
M100 is a spiral galaxy in Ursa Major with a visual magnitude of +7.92.
Saturday 25 February
Alpha Cygni, commonly called Deneb is a variable double star in Cygnus with a visual magnitude of +1.33 and +11.73. The star can be seen with the naked eye.
Sunday 26 February
IC4665 is an open cluster in Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +4.19.
Monday 27 February
Beta 1 Scorpii, commonly known as Graffias is a double star in the constellation of Scorpius with a visual magnitude of +2.31 and +4.92..
Tuesday 28 February
M49 is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo with a visual magnitude of +8.31.
Wednesday 29 February
Gamma Virginis, commonly called Prima is a double star in Virgo with a visual magnitude of +3.48 and +3.58.
First quarter Moon.
The Night Sky for January 2012
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Ophiuchus and is at magnitude -0.3. It is best viewed on Sunday 1 January at 0730UT. |
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Venus – is best viewed on Tuesday 1 January at 1800UT and can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo at the beginning of the month and moves into Virgo towards the end. It is best placed to view on Tuesday 31 January at 0300UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellations of Aries and Pisces. It's best placed to view on Sunday 1 January at 1920UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Tuesday 31 January at 0520UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Sunday 1 January at 1800UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is best placed to view on Sunday 1 January at 1800UT and can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Aquarius.
Eris – Can be found in the Constellation of Cetus during the morning is only visible with a CCD camera.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Aquarius.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Quadrantids- The Quadrantid meteor shower is active from 28 December to 12 January. This year it's expected to peak is on 4 January. The radiant (point where the meteors appear to start from) is in the north of the constellation Boötes almost in Draco. The name of the shower comes from the ancient constellation of Quadrans Muralis (the wall quadrant). The maximum rate of meteors falling for this shower can be as high as 12 per hour.
P/006 T1 Levy is moving eastward from Pegasus through Pisces, Cetus and into Eridanus during the month
C/2009 P1 Garradd is a morning object in the constellation of Hercules.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Sunday 1 January
M29, an open cluster in Cygnus and is at visual magnitude +6.59.
First quarter Moon.
Monday 2 January
See if you can locate the variable double star, Delta Cephei which has a visual magnitude of
4.07.
Tuesday 3 January
NGC 6960, the Western Veil Nebula can be found in the constellation of Cygnus. It is at visual magnitude +5.00 and is one part of a supernova explosion which happened approximately 5,000 to 8,000 years ago.
Wednesday 4 January
IC 4756 is an open cluster in the constellation of Serpens and is at visual magnitude +4.59.
Thursday 5 January
M10 a globular cluster in Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +6.59.
Friday 6 January
HIP 87937, Barnard's Star is a variable star in Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +9.53 and is best viewed in the early morning.
Saturday 7 January
M44, the Beehive Cluster is an open cluster in Cancer with a visual magnitude of +3.09 and is visible to the naked eye.
Sunday 8 January
M65 is a spiral galaxy in Leo with a visual magnitude of +9.22. It's possible to view this with binoculars.
Monday 9 January
M84 and M86, make up Markarian's Chain in Virgo. M84 is an elliptical galaxy with a visual magnitude of +9.10. M86 is also an elliptical galaxy with a visual magnitude of +8.89.
Full Moon
Tuesday 10 January
NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy in Coma Berenices with a visual magnitude of +9.22. This is an edge on spiral galaxy.
Wednesday 11 January
M3 is a globular cluster in Canes Venatici with a visual magnitude of +6.9. Apparently this is visible to the naked eye if you have a dark site.
Thursday 12 January
M92 is a globular cluster in Hercules with a visual magnitude of +6.44.
Friday 13 January
See if you can locate the double star Zeta 1 Cancri, also known as Tegmen. It's visual magnitude is
6.01 and +5.62.
Saturday 14 January
M5, a globular cluster in Serpens with a visual magnitude of +5.65. Best observed in the early morning.
Sunday 15 January
Alpha Cygni, also known as Deneb in the constellation of Cygnus is a variable double with visual magnitudes of +1.33 and +11.73
Monday 16 January
NGC 869 is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus with a visual magnitude of +5.33. The star cluster marks the scimitar that Perseus used to decapitate Medusa.
Last quarter Moon.
Tuesday 17 January
NGC 2261 also known as Hubble's Variable Nebula. It's a bright nebula in the constellation of Monoceros.
Wednesday 18 January
Omicron Ceti, Mira is a long period pulsating variable double star in Cetus with visual magnitudes of +9.55 and +4.9. It's probably the best know of it's type.
Thursday 19 January
M77 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Cetus with a visual magnitude of +9.00. The active nuclear of the galaxy corresponds with the radio source Cetus A.
Friday 20 January
NGC 1535 is a planetary nebula in Eridanus with a visual magnitude of +9.39. It's also sometimes known as Cleopatra's Eye.
Saturday 21 January
Beta Orionis, Rigel is a variable double star in the constellation of Orion. It has visual magnitudes of +0.28 and +10.38.
Sunday 22 January
Melotte 25, the Hyades in Taurus is an open cluster with a visual magnitude of +0.50 and it's possible to see it with the naked eye.
Monday 23 January
M38, the Starfish Cluster in Auriga is an open cluster with a visual magnitude of +6.40.
New Moon.
Tuesday 24 January
Alpha Orionis, Betelgeuse is a variable double star in Orion with visual magnitudes of +0.56 and +14.57.
Wednesday 25 January
NGC 2244 is an open cluster in Monoceros with a visual magnitude of +4.80.
Thursday 26 January
Alpha Canis Majoris, Sirius is a double star in Canis Major with magnitudes of -1.44 and +8.50.
Friday 27 January
NGC 2392, also known as the Eskimo Nebula is a planetary nebula in Gemini with a visual magnitude of +9.19. It's also known as the Clown Face Nebula.
Saturday 28 January
Alpha Gemininorum, Castor is a double star in the constellation Gemini with visual magnitudes of +2.88 and +1.98.
Sunday 29 January
M93 is an open cluster in Puppis with a visual magnitude of +6.19.
Monday 30 January
Beta Geminorum, Pollux is a double star in Gemini with visual magnitudes of +1.22 and +13.82
Tuesday 31 January
M101 is a spiral galaxy in Ursa Major with a visual magnitude of 7.92.
The Night Sky For December 2011
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellation of Scorpius. It is best viewed on Thursday 22 December at 0700UT. |
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Venus – is best viewed on Saturday 31 December at 1730UT and can be found in the constellation Capricornus. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo and is best placed to view on Saturday 31 December at 0450UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found on the border of the constellations of Aries and Pisces. It's best placed to view on Thursday 1 December at 2100UT.(It's possible to see it with the naked eye as a dot near the Pleiades). |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Saturday 31 December at 0600UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Thursday 1 December at 1930UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is best placed to view on Thursday 1 December at 1800UT and can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is not visible as in conjunction with the Sun.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Aquarius and at visual magnitude +9.0.
Eris – Can be found in the Constellation of Cetus during the morning is only visible with a CCD camera (magnitude +18.7).
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Capricornus and is at a visual magnitude of +7.9.
Meteor Showers
Geminids – The Geminid meteor shower is active from 6 to 19 December. This year it's expected to peak during the 13 and 14 December. Geminid meteors are often intensely white, often bright and slow moving. The radiant (point where the meteors appear to start from) is to the north of Castor. The maximum expected rate of meteors falling will be between 60 and 70 per hour, but the Moon may cause a few observing issues.
Ursids – The Ursids meteor shower is active from 17 to 25 December. The year the peak or maximum is expected on 22 and 23 December. The usual observing rates of meteors for this shower are approximately 10-15 meteors per hour. The radiant (point where the meteors appear to start from) is near the star Kochab in Ursa Minor.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Thursday 1 December
The Starfish Cluster, M38 is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga and is at visual magnitude +6.40.
Friday 2 December
At 2152UT you'll be able to observer the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. You'll be able to see it in the middle of the planet. You'll be able to spot Callisto to the north west and after 2200UT Ganymede will appear.
First quarter Moon.
Saturday 3 December
The comet P/2006 T1 Levy can be observed passing near the galaxy NGC7331 in the constellation of Pegasus.
Sunday 4 December
See if you can resolve the variable double stars that make up Vega (alpha Lyrae) in Lyra. A small telescope will be needed for this.
Monday 5 December
M92 is a globular cluster in the constellation Hercules and is at visual magnitude +6.44.
Tuesday 6 December
M57, the Ring Nebula in Lyra is at visual magnitude +8.80.
Wednesday 7 December
Barnard 33, the Horses Head Nebula in Orion is a dark nebula with no known visual magnitude.
Thursday 8 December
M31. the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Andromeda and is at visual magnitude +3.36. A telescope will be necessary to resolve any detail.
Friday 9 December
M27, the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula found in the constellation of Vulpecula and is at visual magnitude of +7.09.
Saturday 10 December
The full Moon will be in eclipse as it rises.
Sunday 11 December
Blinking Planetary Nebula, NGC6826 can be found in Cygnus and is at visual magnitude +8.89.
Monday 12 December
Barnards Loop, (Sharpless 2-276) is a bright nebula in Orion with a visual magnitude of +10.00.
Tuesday 13 December
Blue Snowball Nebula, also known as NGC7662 is a planetary nebula in Andromeda with a visual magnitude of +8.30.
Peak of Geminids meteor shower.
Wednesday 14 December
Peak of Gemids meteor shower.
Thursday 15 December
Western Veil Nebula, also known as NGC6960 can be found in the constellation of Cygnus. It is at visual magnitude +5.00 and is one part of a supernova explosion which happened approximately 5,000 to 8,000 years ago.
Friday 16 December
Eastern Veil Nebula, also known as NGC6992 can be found in the constellation of Cygnus. It is at visual magnitude +5.00 and is another part of the supernova explosion which happened between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago.
Saturday 17 December
M52 an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia is at visual magnitude +6.90.
Sunday 18 December
M74 is a spiral galaxy in Pisces and is at visual magnitude +9.14.
Monday 19 December
NGC869 double cluster in Perseus and is at visual magnitude of +5.30.
Tuesday 20 December
M33, the Pinwheel Galaxy in Triangulum is a spiral galaxy at visual magnitude of +5.80.
Wednesday 21 December
Navi, (Gamma Cassiopeia) is a variable double star at visual magnitude +2.18 and +10.88. It's a blue-white sub giant.
Thursday 22 December
M77, Cetus A is a barred spiral galaxy in Cetus and is at visual magnitude +9.00 . It has an active nucleus which corresponds with the radio source Cetus A.
Friday 23 December
Ursid meteor shower peaks.
Saturday 24 December
NGC2261, Hubbles Variable Nebula can be found in Monocerous.
Sunday 25 December
M45, the Pleiades is an open cluster in the constellation of Taurus and is at visual magnitude +1.50. If you have clear skies you'll be able to see the cluster with the naked eye.
Monday 26 December
Melotte 25, Hyades is an open cluster in Taurus and is at visual magnitude +0.50.
Tuesday 27 December
NGC2237, the Rosette Nebula in Monocerous is at visual magnitude +5.50,
Wednesday 28 December
M79 is a globular cluster in Lepus with a visual magnitude of +7.73.
Thursday 29 December
M42, the Orion Nebula is a bright nebula in Orion and is at visual magnitude +4.00. This is thought to be one of the brightest nebulae in the sky.
Friday 30 December
M1, the Crab Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Taurus and is at visual magnitude +8.39. This is probably the most famous supernova remnant in the known sky and is thought to be centuries old. The Chinese first recorded observations of the remnant were in 1054. The Crab Pulsar, which is a rotating neutron star is at the centre of the Crab Nebula.
Saturday 31 December
M63, the Sunflower Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in Cannes Venatici with a visual magnitude of +8.60.
The Night Sky for November 2011
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – can be found in the constellations Ophiuchus and Scorpio. The planet can be found just after sunset in the south-west of the sky for the first two weeks of November and will be at magnitude -0.2 |
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Venus – Can be found in the constellation of Sagittarius and is best placed to view on Wednesday 30 November after sunset. It is at magnitude -3.8 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Leo. It is best placed to view on Wednesday 30 November at 0530UT. It is at magnitude +1.1 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellation of Aries and is at magnitude -2.7. It’s best placed to view on Tuesday 1 November at 0100UT. See if you can see the Great Red Spot as you observe the planet. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo and is best placed to view on Wednesday 30 November at 0600UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Tuesday 1 November at 2130UT and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. It is at magnitude +5.8 . |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is best placed to view on Tuesday 1 November at 1930UT and can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. It will be at magnitude +7.9 all month. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is difficult to find as it appears during the early evening twilight.
Ceres – Is a morning object (magnitude +8.0 ) in the constellation of Aquarius.
Eris – Can be found in the Constellation of Cetus and is only visible with a CCD camera (magnitude +18.7).
Makemake – Is an evening object (magnitude +16.9 all month) and can be found in the constellation of Coma Berenices, but will require a CCD camera for observation.
Haumea – Is is the constellation of Bootes and also requires a CCD camera to enable observation (magnitude +17.4).
Meteor Showers
Southern Taurids – This shower peaks on Saturday 5 November. Its predicted maximum is of 10 meteors per hour.
Northern Taurids – The peak of the shower is expected on Saturday 12 November again with a maximum of 10 meteors per hour.
Leonids – The peak of the shower is expected during the evening of Thursday 17 and the morning of Friday 18 November. A maximum of 20 meteors per hour is expected.
Tuesday 2 November
First quarter Moon.
Saturday 5 November
Southern Taurids meteor shower peaks.
Thursday 10 November
Full Moon.
Saturday 12 November
The Northern Taurids meteor shower peaks.
Friday 18 November
Last quarter Moon.
Friday 25 November
New Moon.
The Night Sky For October 2011
Interesting things that Bellatrix Orionis is hoping to observe in the night sky this month.
Visual guide from Hubble
Planets
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Mercury – is not visible this month. |
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Venus – Can be found in the constellation of Libra and is best placed to view on Monday 31 October approximately 15 minutes after sunset. It is at magnitude -3.8 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Cancer for the first part of the month (until 20 October) and then in Leo. It is best placed to view on Monday 31 October at 0400BST. It is at magnitude +1.3 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellation of Aries and is at magnitude -2.8. It’s best placed to view on Saturday 29 October at 0100BST. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is not visible this month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is best placed to view on Saturday 1 October at 0003BST and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. It will dim from magnitude +5.7 to +5.8 . |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is best placed to view on Saturday 1 October at 2230BST and can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. It will be at magnitude +7.9 all month. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is a evening object (magnitude +14.1) and can be found in the constellation of Sagittarius.
Ceres – Is a morning object (magnitude +8.0 ) in the constellation of Aquarius.
Eris – Can be found in the Constellation of Cetus and is only visible with a CCD camera (magnitude +18.7).
Makemake – Is an evening object (magnitude +16.9 all month) and can be found in the constellation of Coma Berenices, but will require a CCD camera for observation.
Haumea – Is is the constellation of Bootes and also requires a CCD camera to enable observation (magnitude +17.4).
Comets
45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusáková -Moves from Leo into Virgo during the month and is at magnitude +7.6 at the beginning of the month.
C/2010 X1 Elenin – Is still visible this month, though reports from astronomers observing it state that it is fragmenting as it approaches the Sun.
C/2009 P1 Garradd – Can be found in the constellation of Hercules and is expected to be at magnitude +6.6
Saturday 1 October
Mars is in the constellation of Cancer and will appear in front of the open cluster M44 (the Beehive Cluster).
Tuesday 4 October
First quarter moon.
Friday 7 October
Comet Elenin can be found in the constellation of Leo and will pass through the spiral galaxy M96 during the early hours.
Saturday 8 October
The Draconid meteor shower peaks today between 1700 and 2200BST.
Wednesday 12 October
Full Moon.
Thursday 20 October
Last quarter Moon.
Friday 21 October
The second meteor shower of the month peaks tonight – the Orionids.
Tuesday 20 September
Last quarter Moon.
Wednesday 21 September
The second peak of the weak Piscid meteor shower.
Sunday 30 October
BST ends – It is now officially the end of the British Summer!!
Monday 31 October
Comet Elenin can bee seen in the constellation of Auriga, close to the open cluster M37.
Bad Weather Blues
If you've got the bad weather blues despite the nights starting to draw in I have some ideas for you.
How do you fancy making your own model of Kepler? Perhaps you yearn for a model of Oppy or Spirit to sit on your desk. If so why not make your own out of card! Card models of your favourite spacecraft are a fun and inexpensive way to while away the cold soggy evenings (and for the record – yes it is lashing it down again, whilst I'm writing this)
You could even perhaps get the kids involved as a school or weekend project. I've hunted around and found a fair selection of the good and great of our roving robotic explorers.
Perhaps you remember Galileo's launch and subsequent images from Jupiter.
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Are you a fan of Cassini? Why not make a card model to display in your cubicle. It comes in simple version or a more challenging option.
Everyone is a fan of the images from the Hubble Space Telescope so why not remind them of the fantastic feat of engineering that the space telescope is with your own version. There are three options ranging from average to difficult.
Or why not have a model of the James Webb Telescope I know it's yet to launch, but astronomers have hopes that it performs even better than our beloved Hubble Space Telescope .
The STEREO observatories would look great on either side of your monitor.
Here is a design for a model of the Herschel Telescope
There are numerous other Nasa spacecraft you can download and build at the kids section of the Nasa website as well as some of ESA's spacecraft. Have fun 
