Galaxy
The Night Sky For May 2013
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 magnitude -1.0 at the begining of the month. The planet rises at 0527 and sets at 1927. By the end of the month Mercury is in the constellation of Gemini, at a magnitude of -4.0. the planet rises at 0546 and sets at 2327. |
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Venus – Is found in the constellation of Aries at the beginning of the month. the planet rises at 0559 and sets at 2131. By the end of the month Venus is in the constellation of Taurus, rising at 0544 and sets at 02259. Venus remains at magnitude -3.9 during May. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Is not visible during May. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Is located in the constellation of Taurus for the month of May. At the beginning of the month it rises at 0717, sets at 0004 with a magnitude of -2.0. By the end of the month Jupiter rises at 0543, sets at 2236 with a magnitude of -1.9. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Can be found in the constellation of Libra at the beginning of the month with a magnitude of +0.1. The planet rises at 1959 and sets at 0559. By the end of the month Saturn can be found in the constellation of Virgo at a magnitude of +0.3, rising at 1750 and setting at 0357. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is not visible during May. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible during May. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at a magnitude +14.1.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Gemini at a magnitude of +8.8.
Pallas – Can be found in the constellation of Eridanus and is at a magnitude of +9.3.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Aquarius with a magnitude of +10.7.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Gemini and is at a magnitude of +8.4.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Eta Aquariids – Is a major (class 1) shower with approximately 70 meteors per hour which peaks on 6 May at 0208BST (0102UT).
The parent comet is 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet).
Eta Lyrids – Is a minor (class 2) shower with approximately 3 meteor per hour which peaks on 8 May at 1608BST (1508UT).
The parent comet for this shower is C/1983 H1 (IRAS-Araki-Alcock).
C/2012 S1 (ISON) – spends the entire month in the constellation of Gemini. At the beginning of the month Comet Ison rises at 0748 and sets at 0246 with a magnitude of +14.9. By the end of the month the comet rises at 0620 and sers at 0052 with a magnitude of +14.5.
c/2011 L4 (Panstarrs) – starts the in month in the constellation of Cepheus at magnitude +7.6. the comet doesn’t rise or set all month due to wherer it is in the sky. By the end of the month, the comet can be found in the constellation of Ursa Minor at a magnitude of +9.5. You should be able to see the comet in binoculars.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Wednesday 1 May
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy (NGC 224) is a spiral (Sb) galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda with a magnitude of +3.40.
Thursday 2 May
Caroline’s Rose (NGC 7789) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +6.69.
Last quarter Moon.
Friday 3 May
The Cocoon Galaxy (NGC 4490) is a barred spiral (SBcd) galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.80.
Saturday 4 May
Caldwell 41, the Hyades is an open cluster in the constellation of Taurus at a magnitude of +0.50 and is visible to the naked eye.
Sunday 5 May
Markarians Chain (NGC 4477) is a barred spiral (SB0) galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +10.39.
Monday 6 May
Double cluster (NGC 869) is an open cluster in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +5.30.
Tuesday 7 May
Perseus A (NGC 1275) is a spiral (S0) galaxy in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +11.89.
Wednesday 8 May
M44, the Beehive Cluster (NGC 2632) is a open cluster in the constellation of Cancer with a magnitude of +3.09.
Thursday 9 May
Silver Needle Galaxy (NGC 4244) is a spiral (Sc) galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +10.39.
Friday 10 May
Ch Persei (NGC 884) is an open cluster in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +6.09.
New Moon.
Saturday 11 May
M64, the Black Eye Galaxy (NGC 4826) is a spiral (Sab) galaxy in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +8.50.
Sunday 12 May
The Owl Cluster (NGC 457) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude +6.40.
Monday 13 May
The Eyes Galaxies (NGC 4435 & NGC 4438) are a barred spiral (SB0) galaxy and a spiral (S0-a) galaxy in the constellation of Virgo with magnitudes of +10.80 and +10.19.
Tuesday 14 May
M33, the Pinwheel Cluster (NGC 598) is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitude of +5.69.
Wednesday 15 May
Coddington Nebula (IC 2574) is a barred spiral (SBm) galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +10.39.
Thursday 16 May
M38, the Starfish Cluster (NGC 1912) is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitude of +6.40.
Friday 17 May
The Fireworks Galaxy (NGC 6946) is a barred spiral (SBc) galaxy in the constellation of Virgo with a magnitude of +8.80.
First quarter Moon.
Saturday 18 May
Caldwell 1 (NGC 188) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +8.10.
Sunday 19 May
M81, Bode’s Nebula (NGC3031) is a spiral (Sb) galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +6.90.
Monday 20 May
Caldwell 8, (NGC 559) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +9.50.
Tuesday 21 May
The Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038 & NGC 4039) are barred spiral (SBm) galaxies in the constellation of Corvus with magnitudes of +10.30.
Wednesday 22 May
Caldwell 16 (NGC 7243) is an open cluster in the constellation of Lacerta with a magnitude of +6.40&.
Thursday 23 May
M99, the Coma Pinwheel Galaxy (NGC 4254) is a spiral (Sc) galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +9.89.
Friday 24 May
Caldwell 28 (NGC 752) is an open cluster in the constellation of Andromeda with a magnitude +5.69.
Full Moon.
Saturday 25 May
The Helix Galaxy (NGC 2685) is a barred spiral (SB0-a) galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +11.30.
Sunday 26 May
Caldwell 50 (NGC 2244) is an open cluster in the constellation of Monocerous with a magnitude of +4.80.
Monday 27 May
The Bear Paw Galaxy (NGC 2537) is a barred spiral (SBm) galaxy in the constellation of Lynx with a magnitude of +11.69.
Tuesday 28 May
M45, the Pleiades is an open cluster in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +1.50 and can be seen with the naked eye.
Wednesday 29 May
M102, the Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is a spiral (S0-a) galaxy on the constellation of Draco with a magnitude of +9.89.
Thursday 30 May
The Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) is an open cluster in the constellation of Monocerous with a magnitude of +4.09.
Friday 31 May
Caldwell 58 (NGC 2360) is an open cluster in the constellation of Canis Major with a magnitude of +7.19.
The night sky March 2013
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 in the constellation of Pisces at the start of the month at a magnitude of +3.5 and rises around 0647UT. Mercury then moves into the constellation of Aquarius with a magnitude +0.3 towards the end of the month rising around 0617UT and setting around 1655UT. |
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Venus – Is a day time riser so very difficult to see this month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – can be found in the constellation of Aquarius at the beginning of the month, rising around 0723UT and setting st 1846UT. By the end of the month Mars moves into the constellation of Pisces, rising around 0659UT and setting at 2004UT. Mars remains at magnitude of +2.1 all month. Due to rising at the same time as the sun it will be exceptionally difficult to see unless you manage to catch it just after sunset. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – remains in the constellation of Taurus and goes from magnitude -2.3 to magnitude -2.1 by the end of the March. At the beginning of the month Jupiter rises at 0946UT and sets at 0212. By the end of the month the planet rises at 0900UT and sets at 0036UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – remains in the constellation of Libra and goes from magnitude +0.4 to +0.3. it rises at 2319UT at the beginning of March and sets at 0905UT. By the end of the month Saturn rises at 2214UT and sets at 0805UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – remains in the constellation of Pisces but is not visible this month due to being a daytime object. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – remains in the constellation of Aquarius at a magnitude of +8.0 but is not visible due to being a daytime riser. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2. At the beginning of the month it rises at 0415UT and by the end of the month rises at 0318UT.
Ceres – Is a daytime riser and will be difficult to see as it rises after the sun.
Pallas – Is a daytime riser so will be difficult to find.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Aquila at the beginning of the month with a visual magnitude of +11.2, rising at 0417UT. By the end of the month Juno moves into the constellation of Capricornus at magnitude +11.00 rising at 0342UT.
Vesta – Is a morning riser.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Gamma Normids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 13 March at 1434UT. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Zeta Serpentids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 24 March at 1617UT.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Friday 1 March
M31, the Andromeda galaxy (NGC 224) is an Sb spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda. It has a magnitude of +3.4 which can be seen by the naked eye as an elongated patch of light.
Saturday 2 March
M44, the Beehive Cluster (NGC 2632) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cancer with a magnitude of +3.09.
Sunday 3 March
Bear Paw Galaxy (NGC 2537) is an SBm barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Lynx with a magnitude of +11.69.
Monday 4 March
Last quarter Moon.
Caroline's Rose (NGC7789)is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassipeia with a magnitude of +6.69.
Tuesday 5 March
M64, the Black Eye Galaxy (NGC 4826) is an Sab spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +8.50.
Wednesday 6 March
Caldwell 41, the Hyades is on open cluster in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +0.50 which is visible to the naked eye.
Thursday 7 March
M82, Bodes Nebula (NGC 3034) is an Sd spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +8.39.
Friday 8 March
Caldwell 13, the Owl Cluster (NGC 457) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +6.40.
Saturday 9 March
M77, Cetus A (NGC 1068) is an Sb/P spiral type II Seyfert galaxy in the constellation of Cetus with a magnitude of +8.89.
Sunday 10 March
M38, the Starfish Cluster (NGC 1912) is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitude of +6.40.
Monday 11 March
The Cocoon Galaxy (NGC 4490) is an SBcd type barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.80.
Tuesday 12 March
New Moon.
M36, the Pinwheel (NGC 1960) is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitude of +6.00.
Wednesday 13 March
The Coddington Galaxy (IC 2574) is a SBm type barred spiral galaxy with a magnitude of +10.39 in the constellation of Ursa Major.
Thursday 14 March
The Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264) is an open cluster in the constellation of Monoceros with a magnitude of +4.09.
Friday 15 March
The Flying Ghost Galaxy (NGC 520) is a Sa type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pisces with a magnitude of +11.39.
Saturday 16 March
The Double Cluster (NGC 869) is an open cluster in the constellation of Perseus vwith a magnitude of +5.30.
Sunday 17 March
The Helix Galaxy (NGC 2685)SB0 type barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +11.30.
Monday 18 March
M13, the Hercules Cluster (NGC 6205) is a globular cluster in the constellation of Hercules with a magnitude of +5.78.
Tuesday 19 March
First quarter Moon.
The Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631) is a SBcd type barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.19.
Wednesday 20 March
Caldwell 14, Chi Persei (NGC 884) is n open cluster in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +6.09.
Thursday 21 March
M63, the Sunflower Galaxy (NGC 5055) is a Sbc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +8.50.
Friday 22 March
Caldwell 25, the Intergalactic Wanderer (NGC 2419) is a globular cluster in the constellation of Lynx with a magnitude of +10.40.
Saturday 23 March
The Siamese Twins (NGC 4568 & 4567) are Sbc type spiral galaxies in the constellation of Virgo with magnitudes of +10.80.
Sunday 24 March
M45, The Pleiades is an open cluster in the constellation of Taurus, with a magnitude of +1.50 with at least 6 or 7 stars being visible to the naked eye.
Monday 25 March
M33, the Triangulum Galaxy (NGC 598) is an Sc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Triangulum with a magnitude of +5.69.
Tuesday 26 March
Full Moon.
M24, the Sagittarius Star Cloud (NGC 6603) is an open cluster in the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +11.10.
Wednesday 27 March
Caldwell 38, the Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565) is an Sb type spiral galaxy with a magnitude of +9.60, in the constellation of Coma Berenices.
Thursday 28 March
Caldwell 1 (NGC 188) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +8.10.
Friday 29 March
Caldwell 26, the Silver Needle Galaxy (NGC 4244) is a Sc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +10.39.
Saturday 30 March
Caldwell 8 (NGC 559) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +9.50.
Sunday 31 March
M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194) is an Sbc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +8.39.
If you are in the UK don't forget to put your clock forward as British Summertime begins.
The Night Sky for December 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 Libra at the beginning of the month, at magnitude -0.3 and rises at approximately 0644. By the end of the month Mercury can be found in Sagittarius with a magnitude of -0.6 and rises at approximately 0755. |
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Venus – Can be found in the constellation of Libra at magnitude -4.0 and rises at approximately 0521 at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month you'll find Venus in the constellation of Ophiuchus at a magnitude of -3.9 and will rise at approximately 0654. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – At the beginning of the month you'll find Mars in the constellation of Sagittarius at a magnitude of +1.2 and will rise at approximately 1042. By the end of the month the planet will be in the constellation of Capricornus with a magnitude of +1.2 and rises at approximately 0955. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Is in the constellation of Taurus for the whole of the month. It starts off at magnitude -2.8 and rises at approximately 1554 at the beginning of the month. Towards the end of December it will dim to -2.7 and rise at approximately 1344. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo a the beginning of the month, it rises at approximately 0451 and will be at magnitude +0.7. Towards the end of the month Saturn will be in the constellation of Libra at a magnitude of +0.6 and is expected to rise at approximately 0309. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Will spend the month in the constellation of Pisces and remain at magnitude +5.8. At the beginning of December the planet will rise at 1336 approximately and towards the end of the month Uranus will rise at 1138 approximately. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Will spend the month in the constellation of Aquarius and remain at magnitude +7.9. At the beginning of the month the planet will rise at approximately 1242 and by the end of the month will rise at approximately 1045. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2. It rises at 0937 at the beginning of the month and towards the end of the month at 0804 approximately.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Gemini at the beginning of the month with a magnitude of +7.2 and rises at approximately 1654. By the end of December Ceres will be in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +7.1 and will rise at approximately 1410.
Pallas – Can be found in the constellation of Cetus for the month. It starts the December at visual magnitude +9.3 and rises approximately 1503. By the end of the month it will be at magnitude +9.6 and rises at approximately 1317.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Serpens all month. It starts December with a visual magnitude of +11.3 and rises at approximately 0815. By the end of the month it will have brightened marginally to +11.2 and rise at approximately 0703.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus for the month. It starts December at a magnitude of +6.6 and rises at approximately 1657. By the end of the month it will have dimmed to +6.9 are will rise at approximately 1424.
Meteor Showers and Comets
December Kappa Draconids – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 2 December. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Alpha Draconid – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 4 December. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Psi Usra Majorids – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 4 December. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Phoenicids – Variable (class 3) shower, there have been up to 90 meteors per hour recorded previously and is primarily a southern shower. It peaks on 6 December and the parent comet is P/1989 W1 (Blanpain).
Puppid-Velids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 10 meteors per hour which peaks on 6 December. This is also primarily a southern shower and no parent comet is known.
Monocerotids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 2 meteors per hour which peaks on 8 December. The parent comet for this shower is P/1917 F1 (Mellish).
Sigma Hydrids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 2 meteors per hour which peaks on 11 December. The parent comet for this shower is unknown.
Geminids – Major (class 1) shower with approximately 120 meteors per hour at maximum, which peaks on 13 December. Asteroid (3200) Phaeton is the parent
Coma Berenicids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 5 meteors per hour which peaks on 15 December. The parent of this shower is unknown.
December Leonis Minoris – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 5 meteors per hours which peaks on 19 December. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Ursid Majoris – Major (class 1) shower with approximately 10 meteors per hour at maximum, which peaks on 22 December. The parent comet of this shower is 8P/Tuttle (Tuttle).
Monthly Sky Challenge
Saturday 1 December
Zeta 1 Coronae Borealis is a double star in the constellation of Corona Borealis. The stars have magnitudes of +5.92 and +5.03 which appear blue-white and greenish-white in colour.
Sunday 2 December
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy (NGC224) is a Sb type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda. It has a magnitude of +3.40.
Monday 3 December
Izar or Pulcherrima (Epsilon Bootis) is a double star in the constellation of Bootes. The stars have magnitudes of +4.65 and +2.26 which appear white in colour.
Tuesday 4 December
NGC253, the Sculpter Galaxy is a SBc type of barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Sculpter. It has a magnitude of +7.19.
Wednesday 5 December
Mizar (Zeta Ursae Minoris) is a double star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. The stars have magnitudes of +3.85 and +2.18 which appear white in colour.
Thursday 6 December
Last quarter Moon.
M33, the Pinwheel Galaxy (NGC598) is a Sc type of spiral galaxy in the constellation of Triangulum. It has a magnitude of +5.69.
Friday 7 December
Arcturus (Alpha Bootis) is a star in Bootes with a magnitude of +0.15 and appears orange in colour.
Saturday 8 December
M74, (NGC628) is a Sc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pisces. It has a magnitude of +9.39.
Sunday 9 December
Porrima (Gamma Virginis) is a double star in the constellation of Virgo. The stars have magnitudes of +3.48 and +3.58 which appear yellow-white in colour.
Monday 10 December
M77, Cetus A (NGC1068) is a Sb/P type of spiral galaxy in the constellation of Cetus. It has a magnitude of +8.89.
Tuesday 11 December
Alula Australis (Xi Ursae Majoris) is a double star in the constellation or Ursa Major. The stars have magnitudes of +4.26 and +3.79 which appear yellow in colour.
Wednesday 12 December
NGC4565A is a SBcd type barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices. It has a magnitude of +13.39.
Thursday 13 December
New Moon.
Regulus (Alpha Leonis) is a double star in the constellation of Leo. The stars have magnitudes of +1.40 and +8.18 which appear blue-white in colour .
Friday 14 December
M81, Bodes Nebula (NGC3031) is a Sb type of spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. It has a magnitude of +6.90.
Saturday 15 December
Tegmine (Zeta1 Cancri) is a double star in the constellation of Cancer. The stars have magnitudes of +5.63 and +6.03 which appear yellow in colour.
Sunday 16 December
M82, Bodes Nebula/Ursa Major A (NGC3034) is a Sd type of spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. It has a magnitude of +8.39.
Monday 17 December
Pollux (Beta Geminorum) is a double star in constellation of Gemini. The stars have magnitudes of +1.22 and +13.82 which appears yellow-orange in colour.
Tuesday 18 December
M95, (NGC3351) is a SBb type barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo. It has a magnitude of +9.69.
Wednesday 19 December
Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris) is a double star in the constellation of Canis Minor. The stars have magnitudes of +0.40 and +10.80 which appears yellow-white in colour.
Thursday 20 December
First quarter Moon.
M96, (NGC3368) is a SBab type of barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo. It has a magnitude of +9.30.
Friday 21 December
Castor (Alpha Geminorum) is a double star in the constellation of Gemini. The stars have magnitudes of +2.88 and +1.98 which appears white in colour.
Saturday 22 December
Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris) is a double star in the constellation of Canis Major. The stars have magnitudes of -1.44 and +8.50 which appears white in colour.
Sunday 23 December
M104, Sombrero Galaxy (NGC4594) is a Sa type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Virgo. It has a magnitude of +8.00.
Monday 24 December
Sigma Orionis is a double star in the constellation of Orion. The stars have magnitudes of +6.73 and +3.80 which appears blue in colour.
Tuesday 25 December
M94, (NGC4736) is a Sab type of spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici. It has a magnitude of +8.19.
Wednesday 26 December
Capella (Alpha Aurigae) is a double star in the constellation of Auriga. The stars have a magnitude of +0.08 which appear yellow in colour.
Thursday 27 December
M64, (NGC4826) is a Sab type of spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices. It has a magnitude of +8.50.
Friday 28 December
Full Moon.
Keid (Omicron2 eridani) is a double star in the constellation of Eridanus. The stars have magnitudes of +4.42 and +9.72 which appear yellow-orange in colour.
Saturday 29 December
M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC5194) is a Sbc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It has a magnitude of +8.39.
Sunday 30 December
Zeta1 Aquarii is a double star in the constellation of Aquarius. The stars have magnitudes of +3.65 and +3.45 which appear yellow-white in colour.
Monday 31 December
M101, (NGC5457) is a Sc type spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. It has a magnitude of +7.90.
Night Sky for July 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 Cancer all month. It starts the month at magnitude +0.6 and by the end of the month is magnitude +4.2. |
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Venus – Spends the the entire month in the constellation of Taurus and remains at magnitude -4.4 for the duration. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo. It starts the month at magnitude +0.9 and is magnitude +1.1. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Can be found in the constellation of Taurus. It starts the month at magnitude -2.0 and by the end of the month is -2.2. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo. It starts the month at magnitude +0.7 and ends the month at magnitude +0.8. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Starts the month in the constellation of Cetus and then moves into Pisces. It remains at magnitude +5.8 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Can be found in the constellation of Aquarius all month and remains at magnitude +7.8. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius during the early evening and is at visual magnitude +14.1.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Taurus with a visual magnitude of +9.1 and can be seen in the early morning sky.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Pisces and is at visual magnitude +10.3.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Serpens with a visual magnitude of +10.6 and can be found in the early morning sky.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus, with a magnitude of +8.4 and can be found in the early morning sky.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Delta Aquarids meteor shower – This is a major shower that at it's height peaks with 16 meteors per hour seen. It peaks on Sunday 29 July but the best observing is likely to be in the southern hemisphere. As it's heading towards full Moon observations will be challenging depending on your observing site.
Alpha Capricornids meteor shower – This is listed as a minor shower which at it's peak can generate 5 meteors an hour. The parent body of this meteor shower is comet 169P/NEAT and it's thought that in the future it will become a major shower. This also peaks on Sunday 29 July so will also suffer from it heading towards full Moon.
It's also the time for notilucent clouds (night shining clouds). They are usually spotted low in the north west after sunset and low in the north east heading towards dawn.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Sunday 1 July
NGC7009, the Saturn Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquarius with a magnitude of +7.80.
Monday 2 July
UGC5373, commonly known as Sextan B is an irregular galaxy in the constellation of Sextans with a magnitude of +11.39.
Tuesday 3 July
M27 (NGC6853), the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Vulpecula with a magnitude of +7.09.
Wednesday 4 July
Caldwell 9, the Cave Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.90.
Full Moon.
Thursday 5 July
NGC6826, the Blinking Planetary Nebula is a planetary nebula and can be found in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +8.89.
Friday 6 July
NGC1499, California Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +5.00.
Saturday 7 July
NGC6905, the Blue Flash Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Delphinus with a magnitude of +10.89.
Sunday 8 July
Alpha Lyrae, commonly known as Vega is a variable double star with magnitudes +0.02 and +9.53. The star is of the Delta Scuti type.
Monday 9 July
NGC7662, the Blue Snowball Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Andromeda with a magnitude of +8.30.
Tuesday 10 July
V2500 Ophiuchi, commonly called Bernard's Star, it's a variable BY rotating star. The magnitude range varies from +9.55 to +9.57.
Wednesday 11 July
NGC6309, the Box Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Ophiuchus with a magnitude of +11.50.
Last quarter Moon.
Thursday 12 July
CN Leonis, commonly known as Wolf 359 is a variable UV eruptive flare star. It's in the constellation of Leo with a magnitude of +13.53.
Friday 13 July
NGC3242, The Ghost of Jupiter is a planetary nebula in Hydra with a magnitude of +7.30.
Saturday 14 July
Beta Tauri, commonly known as Elnath is a double star in Taurus with a magnitude of 1.67. The star is a blue-white giant.
Sunday 15 July
NGC6543, the Cat's Eye Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Draco with a magnitude of +8.10.
Monday 16 July
HD95735, commonly known as Lalande 21185 is a star in Ursa Major with a magnitude of +7.50.
Tuesday 17 July
NGC2392, the Eskimo Nebula, also sometimes called the Clownface Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Gemini with a magnitude of +9.19.
Wednesday 18 July
HH Andromedae, also known as Ross 248 is a variable BY rotating star in the constellation of Andromeda with a magnitude range from +12.35 to +12.23. It's an orange/red main sequence star.
New Moon.
Thursday 19 July
M76 (NGC650), Little Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +10.10.
Friday 20 July
FI Virginis, also known as Ross 128 is a variable UV eruptive flare star. The magnitude range is from +13.82 to +14.28 and is an orange-red main sequence star.
Saturday 21 July
NGC6445, the Crescent Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +10.89.
Sunday 22 July
Alpha Canis Minoris, commonly known at Procyon is a double star in Canis Minoris with magnitudes of +0.40 and +10.80. The star is a yellow-white in colour.
Monday 23 July
NGC7293, the Helix Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquarius with a magnitude of +7.59.
Tuesday 24 July
Allpha Ursae Minoris, commonly known as Polaris or the North Star. It's a variable double star and is yellow in colour. The magnitude range is +1.86 to +2.13.
Wednesday 25 July
NGC6818, the Little Gem Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +9.39.
Thursday 26 July
GQ Andromedae is a variable double (UV and BY eruptive flare star) in the constellation of Andromeda with magnitudes of +11.11 and +8.10.
First quarter Moon.
Friday 27 July
Abell 21, the Medusa Nebula is a planetary nebula in Gemini with a magnitude of +10.19.
Saturday 28 July
V2306 Ophiuchi, also known as Wolf 1061. It's a BY rotation variable star found in the constellation of Ophiuchus with a magnitude of +10.10.
Sunday 29 July
M97 (NGC3587), the Owl Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +9.80.
Monday 30 July
Beta Persei, commonly known as Algol (the demon star) is a variable double star with a magnitude range of +2.11 to +3.39.
Tuesday 31 July
M57 (NGC6720) the Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula in Lyra with a magnitude of +8.80.
The Night Sky for June 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 – Starts the month in the constellation of Taurus at a magnitude of -1.7 and then proceeds into Cancer and will be at a magnitude of +0.5. |
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Venus – Starts the month in the constellation of Taurus at a magnitude of -3.9, but towards the end of the month doesn't make it above the horizon. Don't forget the transit on the 5/6 June! |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Will be in the constellation of Leo at magnitude +0.5 at the beginning of the month and will then move into Virgo at a magnitude of +0.9. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Is an early morning object until the end of the month. It can then been seen in the constellation of Taurus at magnitude (-2.0) . |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Virgo and starts the month at magnitude +1.0 and ends the month at +1.1. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is not visible until the end of the month and you can then find the planet in the constellation of Cetus. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible until the end of the month and can then be found in the constellation of Aquarius at magnitude +7.9 (will be visible in binoculars). |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.1.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Aries at a 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 Serpens with a visual magnitude of +10.3.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +8.4.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Boötes meteor shower – 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.
Ophiuchids – This is a minor shower which is very weak and only usually produces 5 meteors per hour. The shower is expected to peak on Saturday 9 June and again on Wednesday 20 June.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Friday 1 June
M81, Bodes Nebula is a spiral galaxy (Sb) in Ursa Major and has a magnitude of +6.90.
Saturday 2 June
M104, the Sombrero galaxy is a spiral (Sa) galaxy in the constellation of Virgo and is at magnitude +8.00.
Sunday 3 June
M95 is a barred spiral galaxy (SBb) in the constellation of Leao and is at magnitude +9.69.
Monday 4 June
NGC6543, the Cats eye Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Draco. It has a magnitude of +8.10.
Full Moon.
Tuesday 5 June
Sharpless 2-276, also known as Barnards Loop is a bright nebula in Orion and has a magnitude of +10.00.
Wednesday 6 June
M65 is a spiral (Sa) galaxy in the constellation of Leo and has a magnitude of +9.30.
Thursday 7 June
NGC6826, the Blinking Planetary Nebula is as you'd expect a planetary nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. It has a magnitude of +8.89.
Friday 8 June
NGC4565A is a barred spiral (SBcd) in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +13.39.
Saturday 9 June
M57, the Ring Nebula is a planetary neubula in the constellation of Lyra with a magnitude of +8.80.
Sunday 10 June
NGC2537, the Bear Paw Galaxy is a barred spiral (SBm) galaxy in the constellation of Lynx with a magnitude of +11.69.
Monday 11 June
M82, also known as Bode's Nebula or the cigar Galaxy. It's a spiral (Sd) galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +8.39.
Last quarter Moon.
Tuesday 12 June
NGC7635, the Bubble Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +11.00.
Wednesday 13 June
M96 is a barred spiral (SBab) galaxy in the constellation of Leo with a magnitude of +9.30.
Thursday 14 June
IC2574, the Coddington Nebula is a barred spiral (SBm) in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +10.39.
Friday 15 June
MGC1275, Perseus A is a spiral (S0) galaxy in Perseus with a magnitude of +11.89.
Saturday 16 June
M63, the Sunflower Galaxy is a spiral (Sbc) galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici it has a magnitude of +11.89.
Sunday 17 June
NGC4038 and NGC4039, known as the Antennae Galaxies or Ring Tail Galaxies are a pair of spiral galaxies found in the constellation of Corvus. Both objects are at magnitude +10.30.
Monday 18 June
NGC6888, the Crescent Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +7.40.
Tuesday 19 June
M66 is a spiral (Sb) galaxy in the constellation of Leo with a magnitude of +8.89.
Wednesday 20 June
NGC4568 is a spiral (Sbc) galaxy in the constellation of Virgo with a magnitude of +10.80.
Thursday 21 June
NGC4567 (known as the Siamese Twins with NGC4568), is a spiral (Sbc) galaxy in the constellation of Virgo with a magnitude of +11.30.
Friday 22 June
M94 is a spiral (Sab) galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici.
Saturday 23 June
IC1396, the Elephant Trunk is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +5.59.
Sunday 24 June
M33/NGC598, the Pinwheel Galaxy is a spiral (Sc) in the constellation of Triangulum with a magnitude of +5.69.
Monday 25 June
NGC2685, the Helix Galaxy is a barred spiral (SBO-a) galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +11.30.
Tuesday 26 June
M64, The Black Eye Galaxy is a spiral (Sab) galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices with a magnitude of +8.50.
Wednesday 27 June
NGC4631, the Whale Galaxy is a barred spiral (SBcd) galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +9.19.
Thursday 28 June
NGC4244, the Silver Needle Galaxy is a spiral (Sc) galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici with a magnitude of +10.39.
Friday 29 June
NGC2359 is also known as either the Duck Nebula or Thor's Helmet and is a bright nebula in the constellation of Canis Major with a magnitude of +11.50.
Saturday 30 June
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral (Sb) galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda and has a magnitude of +3.40.
The Night Sky for May 2012
Interesting things that BellatrixOrionis 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 beginning of the month and moves into Taurus. It is best viewed on Sunday 27 May at 0450BST (0350UTUT). |
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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.
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.
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.
Friday 18 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.
