Stargazing |

What Are Sun Dogs and How Are They Caused?

The image above shows a pair of bright sundogs as seen from the city of Fargo in North Dakota. Also visible here are sections of the arcs passing through each sundog. These are known as …

Spring constellations of the Northern Hemisphere

Northern Hemisphere Constellations of the Spring Sky

James Miller

The arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere brings a different collection of constellations into prominence during the evening. Apart from circumpolar constellations such as Ursa Major, some of the most recognizable spring constellations include …

Milky Way arching over ESO's Cerro Paranal Observatory

Best Milky Way Targets for Stargazers

James Miller

In this list we present some of the best observing targets in the Milky Way. For many observers, however, the Milky Way itself is difficult or impossible to see because of light pollution. Even when …

Winter Triangle connecting Betelgeuse, Sirius and Procyon among the surrounding winter constellations

Northern Hemisphere Constellations of the Winter Sky

James Miller

While northern hemisphere observers can see dozens of constellations at different times of the year, seven are traditionally associated with the winter sky: Orion, Perseus, Taurus, Canis Major, Cetus, Eridanus, and Gemini. In addition, several …

Binoculars and telescope for stargazing under the night sky

Binoculars vs. Telescopes for Stargazing

James Miller

Binoculars and telescopes both reveal far more of the night sky than the unaided eye, but they provide very different observing experiences. Binoculars offer wide views, portability, and simplicity, while telescopes provide greater magnification and …

10 Easy Night Sky Targets for Binoculars

James Miller

You do not need a telescope to enjoy some of the best star clusters, galaxies and other deep-sky objects in the night sky. Many large, bright targets are particularly well suited to binoculars because their …

Northern Hemisphere Constellations of the Autumn Sky

James Miller

As summer turns to autumn in the northern hemisphere, the changing season brings many changes to the night sky. The Summer Triangle, which has dominated overhead for several months, now begins to sink lower in …

Top Deep-Sky Objects in Orion

James Miller

Orion is one of the oldest recognized constellations and contains two of the brightest stars in the sky, Rigel and Betelgeuse. Since it is visible from both hemispheres, Orion has featured prominently in the myths …

Top Deep-Sky Objects in Ursa Major

James Miller

Ursa Major is best known for the Big Dipper, but beyond its familiar stars lie some of the northern sky’s richest deep-sky objects. These include Bode’s Galaxy (M81), the star-forming Cigar Galaxy (M82), the enormous …

Summer Triangle star map showing Vega, Deneb and Altair

Northern Hemisphere Constellations of the Summer Sky

James Miller

As the Earth makes its annual orbit around the Sun, we are able to see different constellations in the night sky depending upon the season of the year, and our location on the planet. While …