Objects to observe
Planets, clusters, nebulae and galaxies, with practical observing advice.
47 Tucanae (NGC 104)
A bright southern globular cluster near the Small Magellanic Cloud in our sky.
Read observing notes →Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
A large nearby galaxy whose bright centre is much easier than its faint outer extent.
Read observing notes →Beehive Cluster (M44)
A broad open cluster in Cancer for a steady binocular view.
Read observing notes →Bode’s Galaxy (M81)
A northern spiral galaxy often observed alongside nearby M82.
Read observing notes →Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
An extensive southern star-forming region suited to careful wide-field observing.
Read observing notes →Cigar Galaxy (M82)
An elongated galaxy near M81, best approached with a dark sky and a verified field.
Read observing notes →Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
A larger planetary nebula in Vulpecula, useful in a dark low-power field.
Read observing notes →Hercules Globular Cluster (M13)
A northern globular cluster that changes from a soft patch to a more structured view with conditions and aperture.
Read observing notes →Jupiter
A bright planet with changing moon arrangements and possible cloud-band detail.
Read observing notes →Mars
A changing planetary target whose apparent size matters as much as its brightness.
Read observing notes →Mercury
A small inner planet whose low twilight position makes timing and a clear horizon important.
Read observing notes →Neptune
A faint telescopic planet for patient chart-based identification.
Read observing notes →Omega Centauri (NGC 5139)
A prominent southern globular cluster with a strong dependence on observing latitude.
Read observing notes →Orion Nebula (M42)
A bright star-forming nebula in Orion, useful for comparing binocular and telescope views.
Read observing notes →Pleiades (M45)
A broad open cluster that often suits binoculars better than a narrow telescope field.
Read observing notes →Ptolemy’s Cluster (M7)
A rich southern open cluster in Scorpius that benefits from a broad field.
Read observing notes →Ring Nebula (M57)
A small planetary nebula in Lyra that needs a confirmed field and suitable magnification.
Read observing notes →Saturn
A telescope target whose rings change their apparent tilt over the years.
Read observing notes →Sombrero Galaxy (M104)
A galaxy in Virgo whose bright centre and elongated form reward a dark, steady view.
Read observing notes →Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070 region)
A star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud for suitable southern latitudes.
Read observing notes →The Moon
A bright target for changing shadows, broad surface patterns and short sessions.
Read observing notes →Uranus
An optical-aid target that needs a detailed chart and careful identification.
Read observing notes →Venus
A bright evening or morning object whose phases need a telescope to distinguish.
Read observing notes →Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
An interacting galaxy system whose faint structure needs more than a high forecast score.
Read observing notes →