2012 has seen the loss of another legend and inspiration. We mourn the loss of Sir Patrick Moore, who passed away on December 9th. Moore’s friends and staff released the following statement: “After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish … Continue reading In Memory of Sir Patrick Moore — 1923–2012
The Constellation Sagitta and M71 (NGC 6838) Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet Sagitta is a small but fascinating constellation. It fits completely in a common pair of binoculars. A fine bonus is offered by the presence of the loose globular, M71. This globular is visible as a hazy spot between Gamma and Delta … Continue reading Binocular Icon 57 : Sagitta and M71
M13, The Great Globular Star Cluster in Hercules Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet M13 has always been one of my all time favourite deep-sky objects. This Globular is one of the summer highlights for Northern Hemisphere observers. It is bright and it is easy to find. When conditions allow, a four inch telescope … Continue reading M13, with a 4 inch refractor
Ancient Sumerian Constellation Uru-anna Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet Some 5000 to 6000 years ago, one of the most ancient civilisations, Sumer, was based in southern Iraq. The Sumerians invented their own written language. Many Sumerian texts have been found on clay tablets. The Sumerians also practiced astronomy and gave names to the … Continue reading Treasures of Uru-anna
M106, a galaxy in Canes Venatici Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet Messier 106 is one of my favourite Messier galaxies. In a small telescope M106 offers a surprising sight. Not only is it an bright object, it also shows some distinct features. At low power, the galaxy appears elongated in a N-S direction. … Continue reading M106 in Canes Venatici, with a 4 inch refractor
M51, The Whirlpool Galaxy and companion, (NGC 5194 and 5195) Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, offers a pleasing sight in small telescopes. The Whirlpool (NGC 5194) and its small companion, NGC 5195, are an interesting duo. Both show a stellar nucleus and a condensed core. The challenge comes with … Continue reading M51, The Whirlpool, with a 4 inch refractor
M81 and M82 in Ursa Major Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet M81 and M82 an Ursa Major Pair The famous M81 and M82 form a nice duo in a pair of binoculars. First try to locate the star 24 Ursae Majoris. With that star in the center of the fov, M81 should be … Continue reading An Ursa Major Pair
NGC 457 Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet Binocular Icon 50 : The Phi Cas Cluster, NGC 457. This observation is the 50th entry in my little binocular project that I started on March 31 of last year. Most of these objects were not hard to locate, nor did I have to dig deep … Continue reading Owl, ET, or an Airplane?
8 Day Old Moon Sketch and Details by Frank McCabe This was my last chance in very pleasant unseasonable weather to comfortably capture the entire visible lunar surface at once. I drew this moon sketch on a long 7” x 14” piece of Strathmore 400 Artagain paper with the aid of an 8” protractor for … Continue reading A Full Quarter
M45 – The Pleiades Sketch and Details by Rony De Laet M45 is perhaps the most attractive open cluster for binoculars. It certainly is best viewed with a low power instrument. At a distance of 410 l-y this admirable open cluster still measures 2 full degrees across. Its true diameter is 14 l-y. M45 is … Continue reading Merope’s Brilliant Pedestal
