Nebula
The night sky for April 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 – Not visible due to rising just before the sun. |
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Venus – Is in the constellation of Pisces at the beginning of the month and rises at 0656 and sets at 1947. By the end of the month Venus will be in the constellation of Aries which rises 0600 and sets at 2128 and is at magnitude -3.9 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Not visible due to rising during the day. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Is in the constellation of Taurus all month. At the beginning of the month it rises at 0856 and sets at 0133 with a magnitude -2.1. At the end of the month Jupiter rises at 0720, sets at 0007 with a magnitude of -2.0. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Is in the constellation of Libra for the entire month. At the beginning of the month it rises at 22.09 with a magnitude of +0.2. By the end of the month, Saturn rises at 20.03 with an magnitude of +0.1. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is not visible this month as it rises during the day. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Is not visible as it rises during the day. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius all month, is at visual magnitude of +14.2 at the beginning of the month and +14.1 by the end of the month.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Auriga all month, is at magnitude +8.6 at the beginning of the month and +8.8 by the end of the month.
Pallas – Can be found in the constellation of Cetus and is at visual magnitude +9.5 at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month Pallas is found in the constellation of Eridanus with a magnitude of +9.3.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Aquila with a visual magnitude of +11.0 at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month Juno can be found in the constellation of Aquarius with a visual magnitude of +10.7.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +8.2 at the begininng of the month. Vesta then moves into the constellation of Gemini with a magnitude of +8.4.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Zeta Cygnids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 5 April at 2050BST (1950UT). There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Sigma Leonids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 17 April at 1904BST (1804UT). There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Nu Cygnids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 20 April at 0334BST (0234UT). There is no known parent comet for this shower.
h-Virginids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 22 April at 0445BST (0345UT). There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Lyrids – Is a major (class 1) shower with approximately 18 meteor per hour which peaks on 22 April at 1237BST (1137UT). The parent comet for this shower is C/1861 G1 (Thatcher).
Pi Puppids – Is a variable (class 3) shower which peaks on 23 April at 1740BST (1640UT). The parent comet for this shower is 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Monday 1 April
Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris) is a double star in the constellation of Canis Major with magnitudes of -1.44 and +8.50. The star rises at 1450 and sets at 2343 and appears white in colour to observers.
Tuesday 2 April
Bernards Loop (Sharples 2-276) is a bright nebula in the constellation Orion with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 1207 and sets at 0028.
Wednesday 3 April
Vega (Alpha Lyrae) is a variable double star in the constellation of Lyra with magnitudes or +0.02 and +9.53. The star does not rise or set during the month and appears white in colour to observers.
The last quarter moon.
Thursday 4 April
Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +11.00. The constellation of Cassiopeia doesn't rise or set during this month.
Friday 5 April
Capella (Alpha Aurigae) is a double star in the constellation of Auriga with magnitude of +0.07. The star appears yellow-orange. The constellation of Auriga doesn't rise or set during this month.
Saturday 6 April
California Nebula (NGC 1499) is a a bright nebula in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +5.00. The constellation of Perseus doesn't rise or set this month.
Sunday 7 April
Arcturus (Alpha Boötis) is a star in Boötes with a magnitude of +0.15 and appears orange in colour. The star rises at 1826 and set at 1022.
Monday 8 April
The Cave Nebula (Caldwell 9, Sh2-155) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.19. The constellation of Cepheus doesn't rise or set this month.
Tuesday 9 April
Rigel (Beta Orionis) is a variable double star in the constellation of Orion with magnitudes of +0.28 and +10.38 and appears white in colour. The star rises at 1157 and sets at 2232.
Wednesday 10 April
The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146, Caldwell 19) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +7.19. The constellation of Cygnus doesn't rise or set this month.
New Moon.
Thursday 11 April
Procyon (Alpha Canis Majoris) is a double star in the constellation of Canis Major with magnitudes of +0.40 and +10.80 which appears yellow-white to observers. It rises at 1300 and sets at 0206.
Friday 12 April
The Cone Nebula (NGC 2264) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Monoceros with a magnitude of +3.90. It rises at 1131 and sets at 0131.
Saturday 13 April
Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis) isna varaiable double star in the constellation of Orion with magnitudes of +0.56 and +14.57 which appears orange-red to observers. It rises at 1056 and sets at 0027.
Sunday 14 April
The Crab Nebula, M1 (NGC 1952) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +8.39. It rises at 0857 and sets at 0137.
Monday 15 April
Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri) is a variable double star in the constellation of Taurus with magnitudes of +0.99 and +13.79 which appears orange to observers. It rises at 0834 and sets at 2351.
Tuesday 16 April
The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +7.40. The constellation of Cygnus doesn't rise or set this month.
Wednesday 17 April
Pollux (Beta Geminiorum) is a double star in Gemini with magnitudes of +1.22 and +13.82 which appears orange-yellow to observes. It rises at 1002 and sets at 0429.
First quarter Moon.
Thursday 18 April
Duck Nebula or Thor's Helmet (NGC 2359) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Canis Major with a magnitude of +11.50. It rises at 1354 and sets at 2331.
Friday 19 April
Deneb (Alpha Cygni) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus with magnitudes of +1.33 and +11.73 which appears white to observers.
Saturday 20 April
Elephant Trunk (IC 1395) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +5.59.
Sunday 21 April
Regulus (Alpha Leonis) is a double star in the constellation of Leo with magnitudes of +1.40 and +8.18 which appears blue-white to observers. It rises at 1411 and sets at 0434.
Monday 22 April
Epsilon Orionis Nebula (NGC 1990) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 1049 and sets at 2241.
Tuesday 23 April
Adhara (Epsilon Canis Majoris) is a double star in the constellation of Canis Major with magnitudes of +1.52 and +7.53 which appears white to observers. It rises at 1514 and sets at 2053.
Wednesday 24 April
Flame Nebula, also known as the Christmas Tree Nebula (NGC 2024) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 1050 and sets at 2235.
Thursday 25 April
Castor (Alpha Geminorium) is a double star in the constellation of Gemini with magnitudes of +1.58 and +2.48. It rises at 0832 and sets at 0434.
Full Moon.
Friday 26 April
Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitudeof +10.00. It rises at 0523 and sets at 0300.
Saturday 27 April
Bellatrix (Gamma Orionis) is a double star in orion with magnitudes of +1.65 and +12.26 which appears blue-white to obervers. It rises at 0937 and sets at 2252.
Sunday 28 April
Gamma Cassiopeiae Nebula (IC 59) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +10.00.
Monday 29 April
Elnath (Beta Tauri) is a double star in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +1.67 which appears blue-white to observers. It rises at 0650 and sets at 0130.
Tuesday 30 April
Hubble's Variable Nebula (NGC 2261) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Monocos with a magnitude of +9.19. It rises at 1025 and sets at 1200.
The night sky for February 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 – will be found in the constellation of Capricornus at the beggining of the month. It will be at magnitude -1.1 and will rise at approx 0832UT. By the end of the month Mercury will be in the constellation of Pisces and will be a morning riser (approx 0653UT). It will be at a magnitude of +3.1. |
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Venus – Will be in the constellation of Sagittarius at the beginning of the month and will rise at about 0730UT. By the end of the month Venus will be in the constellation of Aquarius and will rise at about 0700UT. It remains at magnitude -3.9 all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Will be in the constellation of Aquarius for the month of February remains at magnitude +1.2. At the beginning of the month it will rise at 0840UT and by the end of the month will rise at 0726UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Will be in the constellation of Taurus for the month of February. It will rise at 1133UT at the beginning of the month with a magnitude of -2.5. By the end of the month it will rise at 0950UT with a magnitude of -2.3. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Will be in the constellation of Libra at the beginning of the month and rise at 0113UT with a magnitude of +0.5. By the end of the month Saturn will be in the constellation of Pisces and rises at 2322UT with a magnitude of +0.4. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – will be in the constellation of Pisces during the month with a magnitude of +5.9. At the beginning of the month Uranus rises at 0934UT and by the end of the month rises at 0749UT. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Spends the month in the constellation of Aquarius and remains at magnitude +8.0. At the beginning of the month Neptune will rise at 0841UT and by the end of the month will rise at 0657UT. |
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 0602UT and by the end of the month rises at 0419UT.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Taurus. at the beginning of the month Ceres rises at 1134UT and has a magnitude of +7.8. by the end of the month it rises at 0947UT with a magnitude of +8.3.
Pallas – Can be found in the constellation of Cetus and is at magnitude +9.6 at the beginning of the month. It rises at 1001UT at the beginning of the month and rises at 1128UT by the end of the month with a magnitude of +9.7.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +11.2 and rises at 0539 at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month Juno moves into the constellation of Aquila, remaining at magnitude +11.2 and rises at 0420UT.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus. At the beginning of the month Vesta rises at 1137UT at a magnitude of +7.5. By the end of the month it rises at 1013UT with a magnitude +7.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Pi Hydrids – Is a weak (class 4) shower with approximately meteor per hour which peaks on 7 February at 1911UT. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Alpha Centaurids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 5 meteor per hour which peaks on 7 February at 2356UT. The parent for this shower is minor planet 2003 EH1.
Beta Herculids – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on 12 February 1746UT. There is no known parent comet for this shower.
Monthly Sky Challenge
Friday 1 February
Antares Nebula or Cloud Nebula (van den Bergh 107) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Scorpius with a magnitude of +10.0. It rises at 0441UT and sets at 1109UT.
Saturday 2 February
Achird (Eta Cassiopeia) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It has magnitudes of +3.45 and +7.52. Doesn't rise or set and appears orange to observers.
Sunday 3 February
Last quarter Moon.
Dumbbell Nebula, M27 (NGC 6853)is a planetary nebula inthe constellation of Vulpecula with a magnitude of +7.09. It rises at 0253UT and sets at 1942UT.
Monday 4 February
Navi (Gamma Cassiopeia) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It has magnitudes of +3.45 and +7.52 a nd doesn't rise or set.
Tuesday 5 February
Barnard's Loop (Sharpless 2-276) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 1447UT and sets at 0308UT. this mobject can be difficult to observe but makes for a great long exposure image.
Wednesday 6 February
Garnet Star (Mu Cephei) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cepheus. It has a magnitude of +4.01, it does rise or set and appears red to observeres.
Thursday 7 February
Blinking Planetary Nebula (NGC 6826) is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +8.89. It doesn't rise or set.
Friday 8 February
Wasat (Delta Geminorum) is a double star in the constellation of Gemini.It has magnitudes of +3.53 and +8.54, it rises at 1359UT and sets at 0637UT. The star appears yellow-white to observers.
Saturday 9 February
Blue Snowball Nebula (NGC 7662) is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Andromeda with a magnitude of +8.30. It doesn't rise or set and appears a a star-like object with a slight nebulosity [fuzziness] in a low magnitude telescope).
Sunday 10 February
New Moon.
Bellatrix (Gamma Orionis) is a double star in the constellation of Orion. It has magnitudes of +1.65 and +12.26. Rises at 1335UT and sets at 0255UT. Visible to the naked eye and appears blue-white.
Monday 11 February
Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +11.00. It doesn't rise or set.
Tuesday 12 February
Praecipua (46 Leonis Minoris) is the brightest star in the constellation of Leo Minor. It has a magnitude of +3.78, rises at 1450UT and sets at 1220UT. The star appears orange to observers.
Wednesday 13 February
Ghost of Jupiter Nebula (NGC 3242) is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Hydra with a magnitude of +7.30. It rises at 2046UT and sets at 0518UT.
Thursday 14 February
Hamal (Alpha Arietis) is a star in the constellation of Aries with a magnitude of +2.01. It rises at 0810 and sets at 0114UT. The star appears orange to observers.
Friday 15 February
Cave Nebula, Caldwell 9 (sh2-155) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.69. The nebula doesn't rise or set and can be difficult to observe so may be best as an astrophotography project.
Saturday 16 February
Rastaban (Beta Draconis) is a double star in the constellation of Draco. It has magnitudes of +2.79 and +14.00. Draco neither rises or sets and the star Rastabab appears yellow-orange.
Sunday 17 February
First quarter Moon.
Elephant Trunk Nebula (IC 1396a) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +5.59. Doesn't rise or set in the northern hemisphere.
Monday 18 February
Electra (17 Tauri) is a double star in the constellation of Taurus. It has magnitudes of +3.71 and +5.71, rises at 0927UT and sets at 0241UT. Electra is part of the Pleiades cluster and appears blue to observers and can be seen with the naked eye on a clear night.
Tuesday 19 February
Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392) is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Gemini with a magnitude of +9.19. It rises at 1332UT and sets at 0555UT.
Wednesday 20 February
Seginus (Gamma Boötes) is a variable double star in the constellation of Boötes with a magnitude of +3.03. Seginus is the fourth brightest star in Boötes and appears yellow-white.
Thursday 21 February
Cocoon Nebula (NGC 2264) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Monoceros with a magnitude of +7.19.
Friday 22 February
Meisa (Lambda Orionis) is a double star in Orion with magnitudes of +3.39 and +5.29. It rises at 1238UT and sets at 0238. It's a blue-white star which marks the head of Orion the hunter..
Saturday 23 February
Eplison Orionis Nebula (NGC 1990) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 1337UT and sets at 0133UT.
Sunday 24 February
Kuma (Nu Draconis) is a double star in the constellation of Draco. It has magnitudes of +4.88 and +4.89, it appears yellow-white.
Monday 25 February
Full Moon.
Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Auriga with a magnitude of +10.00. It rises at 0819UT and sets at +0556UT.
Tuesday 26 February
Yildun (Delta Ursae Minoris) is a star in the constellation of Ursa Minor with a magnitude of +4.34. it appears white to observers.
Wednesday 27 February
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +7.40.
Thursday 28 February
Alcor (80 Ursae Majoris) is a star in the constellation of Ursa Major with a magnitude of +4.00. Appears white to observers.
The Night Sky for November 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 Scorpius with a magnitude of +0.0 at the beginning of the month and rises between 9 and 10am. By the end of the month the planet moves into the constellation of Libra with a magnitude of -0.2. |
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Venus – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo with a magnitude of -4.0 at the beginning of the month and rises in the early morning (approximately 0345 in northern England). At the end of the month the planet can be found in the constellation of Libra with a magnitude -4.0. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Will be found in the constellation of Ophiuchus at a magnitude of +1.2 and rises around 1100 (in the north of England) at the beginning of the month. At the end of the month the planet can be found in the constellation of Sagittarius. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Remains in Taurus for the whole of the month. At the beginning of the month the magnitude of Jupiter will be -2.7 but increases to -2.8 by the end of the month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Remains in Virgo for the whole month. At the start of the month the magnitude is +0.6 and drops slightly by the end of the month to +0.7. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Is in the constellation of Pisces for the month. The planet will be at a magnitude of +5.7 at the start of the month and will drop slightly to +5.8 by the end of the month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Can be found in the constellation of Aquarius for the whole of the month with a magnitude of +7.9. |
Dwarf Planets
Pluto – Is in the constellation of Sagittarius and is at visual magnitude +14.2.
Ceres – Is in the constellation of Gemini starting at visual magnitude +7.9 and then brightening to +7.3 by the end of the month.
Pallas – Can be found in the constellation of Cetus and is at visual magnitude +8.9 at the beginning of the month and then dimming to +9.3.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Ophiuchus with a visual magnitude of +11.4 and then moves into the constellation of Serpens at a visual magnitude at +11.3.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus with a visual magnitude of +7.2 and brightens to +6.6.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Northern Taurid – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 5 meteors per hour which peaks on Monday 12 November. The parent comet is 2P/Encke
Andromedids – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on Monday 12 November. The parent comet is 3D/Biela
Omicron Eridanids – Weak (class 4) shower with approximately 1 meteor per hour which peaks on Wednesday 14 November. No parent comet is known.
Leonids – Major (class 1) shower with approximately 20 meteors per hour which peaks on Saturday 15 November. The parent comet is 55P/Temple-Tuttle.
Alpha-Monocerotids – A variable (class 3) shower, numbers per hour vary so much it's not possible to estimate. The shower peaks on Wednesday 21 November, no parent comet is known.
November Orionids – Minor (class 2) shower with approximately 3 meteors per hour which peaks on Thursday 29 November. The parent comet is C/1917 F1 (Mellish).
Monthly Sky Challenge
Thursday 1 November
La Superba (Y Canum Venaticorum), is a semi-variable star in the constellation of Canes Venaticorum. It can be seen in the northern part of the sky and is red (if you have clear calm skies).
Friday 2 November
M1 (NGC1952), the Crab Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +8.3 which rises early evening.
Saturday 3 November
HIP87937 (V2500 Ophiuchi), Barnard's Star is a variable star in the constellation of Ophiuchus with a magnitude of +9.3 and is orange-red in colour.
Sunday 4 November
Caldwell 6 (NGC6543), Cats Eye Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Draco with a magnitude of +8.10.
Monday 5 November
Last quarter Moon.
Vega (Alpha Lyrae) is a variable double star in the constellation of Lyra. It appears blue-white and the double stars are at magnitudes +0.02 and +9.53.
Tuesday 6 November
M16 (NGC6611), the Eagle Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Serpens with a magnitude of +6.40.
Wednesday 7 November
Sheliak (Beta Lyrae), is a variable double star in the constellation of Lyra with magnitudes of +3.51 and +8.72 which appear white in colour.
Thursday 8 November
M17 (NGC6618), Omega Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude +6.00.
Friday 9 November
Chi Cygni is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +6.78 which appears orange in colour.
Saturday 10 November
M57, (NGC6720), the Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Lyra with a magnitude of +8.80.
Sunday 11 November
Eta Aquila is a variable star in the constellation of Aquila with a magnitude of +3.86 which appears yellow in colour.
Monday 12 November
New Moon.
NGC6818, the Little Gem Nebula is a planetary nebula in Sagittarius with a magnitude of +9.39.
Tuesday 13 November
Deneb (Alpha Cygni) is a variable double star in Cygnus with magnitudes of +1.33 and +11.73 which appear white in colour.
Wednesday 14 November
M27 (NGC6853), the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula with a magnitude of +7.09.
Thursday 15 November
Caldwell 34 (NGC6960), the Western Veil Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +5.00.
Friday 16 November
61 Cygni is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +5.19 and +6.02 which appear orange in colour.
Saturday 17 November
Caldwell 33 (NGC6992), the Eastern Veil Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +5.00.
Sunday 18 November
Alfirk (Bet Cephei) is a variable double star in Cepheus with a magnitude of +3.23 which appears blue in colour.
Monday 19 November
Caldwell 20 (NGC7000), the North America Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +4.00.
Tuesday 20 November
Delta Cephei is a variable double star in the constellation of Cepheus with a magnitude of +4.07 which appears yellow in colour.
Wednesday 21 November
Caldwell 55 (NGC7009), the Saturn Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquarius +7.80.
Thursday 22 November
First quarter Moon.
Navi (Gamma Cassiopeiae) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +2.18 and +10.88 which appear blue-white in colour.
Friday 23 November
Calwell 63 (NGC7293), the Helix Nebula is a planetary nebula in Aquarius with a magnitude of +7.59.
Saturday 24 November
Alrischa (Alpha Piscium) is a variable double star in Pisces with a magnitude of +3.81 and +4.71.
Sunday 25 November
Barnard 33, the Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula in the constellation of Orion. It has no known visual magnitude.
Monday 26 November
Mira (Omnicron Ceti) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cetus with a magnitude of +4.94 and +9.55 which is orange-red in colour.
Tuesday 27 November
NGC1535, Cleopatra's Needle is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Eridanus.
Wednesday 28 November
Full Moon.
Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris) also known at the North Star is a variable double star in Ursa Major with a magnitude +2.00 and +9.00 which is yellow in colour.
Thursday 29 November
M42 (NGC1976), the Orion Nebula is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +4.00.
Friday 30 November
Algo (Beta Perseus), also known as the Demon Star is a variable double star in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +2.10 which appears white in colour.
Night Sky for August 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 Cancer at the beginning of the month and then moves into Leo towards the end. |
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Venus – Starts the month in the constellation of Taurus and then moves into Gemini towards the end of August. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Mars – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo all month. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Jupiter – Spends the entire month in the constellation of Taurus. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Saturn – Can be found in the constellation of Virgo. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Uranus – Spends the month in the constellation of Cetus. |
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Source: Hubblesite.org |
Neptune – Can be found in the constellation of Aquarius. |
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 +9.0 at the beginning of the month and then at magnitude +8.9 towards the end.
Pallas – Can be found in the Constellation of Pisces and is at visual magnitude +9.5 at the beginning of the month and then by the end of the month will be magnitude +8.8.
Juno – Is in the the constellation of Libra with a visual magnitude of +11.0 at the beginning of the month and will be +11.3 by the end of the month.
Vesta – Is in the the constellation of Taurus, with a magnitude of +8.3 and will be at magnitude +8.1 by the end of August.
Meteor Showers and Comets
Perseid meteor shower – This is a major shower with often as many as 100 meteors seen at it's peak (which is 12 August just after midnight).
Kappa Cygnids meteor shower – This is a minor shower which peaks on 17 August and can have a maximum of up to 3 meteors per hour..
Aurigids meteor shower – This shower peaks on 31 August with a maximum of 7 per hour.
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
Wednesday 1 August
Lets start the month with a challenge. See if you can locate Barnard's Star, it's a variable star in the constellation of Ophiuchus and should be at a magnitude of +9.53.
Thursday 2 August
Full Moon.
Western Veil Nebula (NGC6960) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +5.00
Friday 3 August
Vega (Alpha Lyrae) is a variable double star in Lyra which is blueish white in colour and has a magnitude of +0.02 and +9.53.
Saturday 4 August
Eastern Veil Nebula (NGC6995) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of +5.00.
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Sunday 5 August
Alula Australis (Xi Ursae Majoris) is a variable Double star in Ursa Major which is yellow in colour with a magnitude of +3.78 and +4.26.
Monday 6 August
The Witch Head Nebula (IC2118) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Eridanus with a magnitude of +10.00.
Tuesday 7 August
Cor Caroli (Alpha2 Canu) is a variable double star in Canes Venatici which is blue-white in colour with a magnitude of +2.89 and+5.60.
Wednesday 8 August
Antares Nebula (van den Bergh 107) is a bright nebula in Scorpius with a magnitude of +10.00.
Thursday 9 August
Last quarter Moon.
Spica (Alpha Virginis) is a variable double star in the constellation of Virgo which is blue in colour with a magnitude of +1.05 and +12.06
Friday 10 August
Barnard's Loop (Sharpless 2-276) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Orion with a magnitude of +10.00.
Saturday 11 August
Suben Elakribi (Delta Librae) is a variable double star in the constellation of Libra. The main star is blue in colour with the other being a yellowish colour with magnitudes of +4.95 and +12.15.
Sunday 12 August
Bubble Nebula (NGC7635), is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a magnitude of +11.00.
Monday 13 August
Sheliak (Beta Lyrae) is a variable double star in the constellation of Lyra which is white in colour with a magnitude of +3.51 and +8.72.
Tuesday 14 August
California Nebula (NGC1499) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Perseus with a magnitude of +5.00.
Wednesday 15 August
Chi Cgyni is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus, it's orange red in colour and has a magnitude of +6.78.
Thursday 16 August
Cats Paw Nebula (NGC6334) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Scorpius with a magnitude of +10.00.
Friday 17 August
New Moon.
Eta Aquilae is a variable star in the constellation of Aquila, it's yellow white with a magnitude of +3.86
Saturday 18 August
Cave Nebula (Caldwell 9) is a bright nebula in Cepheus with a magnitude of +7.69.
Sunday 19 August>
Deneb (Alpha Cygni) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus. It's blue-white in colour with a magnitude of +1.33 and+11.73.
Monday 20 August>
Omega Nebula (M17/NGC6618) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius with a magnitude of +6.00.
Tuesday 21 August
Alfirk (Beta Cygni) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cygnus. It's a blue star with a magnitude of +3.23.
Wednesday 22 August
Cocoon Nebula (IC5146), is a bright nebula in the constellation of Cygnus with a magnitude of+7.19.
Thursday 23 August
Archird (Eta Cassiopeia) is a variable double.
Friday 24 August
First quarter Moon.
Cone Nebula (NGC2264), is a bright nebula in the constellation of Monoceros with a magnitude of +3.90.
Saturday 25 August
Mira (Omicron Ceti) is a variable double star in the constellation of Cetus. It's orange-red in colour with magnitude of +4.94 and +9.55. It's also an early riser so will be found after midnight.
Sunday 26 August
Crab Nebula (M1/NGC7952) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Taurus with a magnitude of +8.39.
Monday 27 August
Algol, also know as the Head of Medusa or the Demon Star (Beta Persei) is a variable double star in the constellation of Perseus. It's a blue-white star with a magnitude of +2.10.
Tuesday 28 August
Duck Nebula (NGC2359) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Canis Majoris with a magnitude of +11.50.
Wednesday 29 August
Epsilon Eridani is a variable double star in the constellation of Eridanus. It's yellow orange in colour with a magnitude of +3.73. It's also an early riser and can be found between 2 and 3am.
Thursday 30 August
Full Moon (second this month).
Eagle Nebula (M16/NGC6611) is a bright nebula in the constellation of Serpens with a magnitude of +6.40.
Friday 31 August
Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri)is a variable double star which is orange in colour. It has a magnitude of +0.99 and +13.79 is another early morning object.
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 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 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.
