What's up in the Sky?
Above the North this month, are the constellations of Perseus, Auriga and Taurus.
Although Perseus is not a particularly bright constellation, it is nonetheless similarly blessed with a dearth of deep sky objects, much like its compatriots Auriga and Taurus in the winter sky. From Algol, one can find the Heart and Soul Nebulae, bright and distinctive star-forming nebulae, by extending a line through Miram. Thereafter, one can find the Double Cluster (C 14), two open clusters viewable in close proximity, by extending a line from Capella through Miram.
Afterwards, one can extend a line from Capella to γ Persei to find the open clusters NGC 1545 and 1528, with the latter being denser than the former. Next, one can find the Starfish Cluster (M38), an open cluster in a X-shape similar to some of its namesakes, as well as the Flaming Star Nebula (C 31) by following the line from θ Aurigae to Hassaleh.
Penultimately, one can find the open cluster NGC 1647 and the false open cluster (in actuality an asterism) NGC 1746 by extending a line from Alnath to Aldebaran. Lastly, the Pleiades, a bright and well known open cluster, as well as a favourite of many amateur astronomers, can be found by following the line from Bellatrix through Aldebaran.
Find out more about this month's night sky with the following handy resource:
www.SkyMaps.com |
