The Magellanic Clouds, our galactic neighbors

The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds are two of the closest galaxies to the Milky Way. They can be seen without optical aid from southern skies.

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.

Triangulum galaxy, the 2nd-closest spiral galaxy

The Triangulum galaxy, aka Messier 33, has the distinction of being the farthest object you can see with the unaided eye. But you'll need a dark site to catch a glimpse of it.

Wild Duck Cluster, M11, 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.

Find M4 by the Scorpion’s Heart

Find M4, one of the easiest globular star for beginners to spot, located just next to reddish Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius the Scorpion.

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, Messier 8

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

The Omega Nebula is a star-forming region

The Omega Nebula - a star-forming region - is visible through binoculars and glorious in a low-power magnification telescope. Here's how to find it.

The awesome beauty of the Eagle Nebula

The Eagle Nebula - aka Messier 16 or M16 - is home to several well-known cosmic structures, including the stunning Pillars of Creation and Stellar Spire.

M5, your new favorite globular star cluster

M5 in Serpens Caput is a refreshing sight through a small telescope, as thousands of stars cluster together into a tightly packed ball.