Galaxy season
Galaxy season typically runs from February through May. This year, however, the seeing—or viewing conditions—were less than stellar, as can often happen in this part of the country. Consequently, I wasn’t able to capture as many images as I would have liked, and some of what I did capture were of somewhat dubious quality.
Still, there were plenty of opportunities to point the telescope toward some remarkable objects.
The Geeky Part
February
In February, M81 and M82—the Bode’s and Cigar Galaxies—were high in the northeastern sky in the constellation Ursa Major. At roughly 12 million light-years away, both can be viewed with relatively modest equipment.
M81 is a bright grand-design spiral galaxy, while M82, also known as NGC 3034, is a dramatic edge-on starburst galaxy.
Another excellent target is Caldwell 7, or NGC 2403, a bright, loosely structured spiral galaxy located in the circumpolar constellation Camelopardalis. It stands high in the winter sky and can reveal good structure even through small-to-medium telescopes.
M95 and M96, located in Leo, were also worthwhile targets as the constellation climbed into the eastern sky after midnight. And then there was NGC 2903, a gorgeous bright barred spiral galaxy in Leo with a prominent core that is relatively easy to spot.
March
March brings some of my favorite galaxy targets.
The Leo Triplet—M65, M66, and NGC 3628—is a spectacular grouping about 35 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. All three galaxies can fit within the field of view of a low-power telescope. NGC 3628 is also known as the Hamburger Galaxy because of its distinctive appearance.
Another favorite is the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, a stunning face-on spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici interacting with its smaller companion, NGC 5195.
Then there is the Sombrero Galaxy, M104, located in Virgo. This bright galaxy features a prominent central bulge and a striking dark dust lane running across its edge-on disk.
And finally, Markarian’s Chain—a magnificent string of interconnected galaxies nestled within the Virgo Cluster—is an especially rewarding target for astrophotography and rich-field viewing.
April
April is the peak of “galaxy season” in the Northern Hemisphere.
As we look away from the dusty center of the Milky Way, the night sky opens up to deep space, revealing countless distant galaxies in constellations such as Leo, Virgo, Ursa Major, and Canes Venatici.
Many of the targets mentioned above remain excellent choices throughout April, but this is also when the sheer number of galaxies visible in the spring sky becomes truly impressive. It’s one of my favorite times of year to simply spend an evening exploring the sky.
May
By May, high-altitude spring constellations such as Virgo, Ursa Major, Coma Berenices, and Canes Venatici continue to offer excellent views of deep-sky objects.
One of my top choices is the Needle Galaxy, NGC 4565. This beautiful edge-on spiral galaxy is located in Coma Berenices and is an impressive target for both visual observing and astrophotography.
EPILOGUE
My interest in astronomy and astrophotography goes back more than four decades. I didn’t have much equipment when I started, and the truth is, you don’t need much.
My equipment is still pretty basic. That’s one of the things I enjoy about this hobby: you can get started without spending a fortune. A pair of binoculars, or a low-power telescope can open up an entirely new world. Until next time Clear Skies!