The Beehive cluster: A swarm of 1,000 stars

The Beehive cluster is an open star cluster that lies near the center of the constellation Cancer the Crab. It goes by many names, including Praesepe and M44.

Meet the Crab Nebula, remnant of an exploding star

The Crab Nebula, the scattered fragments of a supernova, or exploding star, was observed by earthly skywatchers in the year 1054.

The Local Group is our galactic neighborhood

What is the Local Group? It's a collection of the nearest galaxies in space. Read more about these neighbors of our home Milky Way galaxy.

Triangulum galaxy is 2nd-closest to Milky Way

The Triangulum Galaxy, aka M33, is the farthest object you can see with the unaided eye, if in fact you can see it. But seeing it is a challenge.

Double Cluster in Perseus on October evenings

The Double Cluster in Perseus is a breathtaking pair of star clusters, easy to see in October. Here's how to find it in your sky.

Large and Small Magellanic Clouds shine in southern skies

Have you seen the Magellanic Clouds? These 2 satellite galaxies of the Milky Way are noticeable features in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

Andromeda galaxy: All you need to know

The Andromeda galaxy is the closest big galaxy to our Milky Way. At 2.5 million light-years, it's the most distant thing you can see with the eye alone.

The Great Rift is a dark swath in the Milky Way

The Great Rift or Dark Rift is a darkened swath of the Milky Way where new stars are forming. It's best seen from a rural location away from light pollution.

Explore the Lagoon Nebula, M8, in Sagittarius

The Lagoon Nebula, or Messier 8, is a large emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius that observers can explore with binoculars.

The Wild Duck Cluster, M11, a lovely open cluster in Scutum

The Wild Duck Cluster, also known as M11, is an open star cluster in the constellation Scutum that appears best through binoculars or a telescope.

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