Cluster Photos ❘ lookphotos

This is the gathering on the evening of April 22,2023 of the waxing crescent Moon below Venus and near the Hyades star cluster in Taurus. The dim Earthshine is visible on the dark side of the Moon. High cloud added the natural glows on the Moon and Venus.

13999674 - This is the gathering on the evening of April 22,2023 of the waxing crescent Moon below Venus and near the Hyades star cluster in Taurus. The dim Earthshine is visible on the dark side of the Moon. High cloud added the natural glows on the Moon and Venus.

$This is the waxing gibbous Moon (11.7 days old) near reddish Mars (above the Moon),and with reddish Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster below. All are set in a swirl of clouds,looking like they are in an interstellar nebula. Diffraction from ice crystals in the clouds adds the colourful corona around the Moon. This was the Moon-Mars conjunction of January 3,2023. Mars was then about a month past opposition.$

13999549 - This is the waxing gibbous Moon (11.7 days old) near reddish Mars (above the Moon),and with reddish Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster below. All are set in a swirl of clouds,looking like they are in an interstellar nebula. Diffraction from ice crystals in the clouds adds the colourful corona around the Moon. This was the Moon-Mars conjunction of January 3,2023. Mars was then about a month past opposition.

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) passing Mars in the constellation of Taurus on the night of Feb 10,2023. Mars appears to be at the tip of a dark lane of interstellar dust in the Taurus Dark Clouds. The comet is showing its whitish dust tail and blue ion tail,as well as its cyan coma from diatomic carbon emission. The star cluster at left is NGC 1746.

13999415 - Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) passing Mars in the constellation of Taurus on the night of Feb 10,2023. Mars appears to be at the tip of a dark lane of interstellar dust in the Taurus Dark Clouds. The comet is showing its whitish dust tail and blue ion tail,as well as its cyan coma from diatomic carbon emission. The star cluster at left is NGC 1746.

Comet Nishimura (C/2023 P1),at left,captured at dawn on September 7,2023 with the sky beginning to brighten with morning twilight colours. Plus the last quarter Moon was lighting the sky and landscape with moonlight. The comet appears with Venus,at right,beginning its morning sky appearance for 2023/24. In addition,the star cluster Messier 44,the Beehive,is at top right. The smaller Messier 67 star cluster is just above Venus.

13999315 - Comet Nishimura (C/2023 P1),at left,captured at dawn on September 7,2023 with the sky beginning to brighten with morning twilight colours. Plus the last quarter Moon was lighting the sky and landscape with moonlight. The comet appears with Venus,at right,beginning its morning sky appearance for 2023/24. In addition,the star cluster Messier 44,the Beehive,is at top right. The smaller Messier 67 star cluster is just above Venus.

A rich starfield in the constellation of Vulpecula the Fox,in the Milky Way,with a mix of nebulosity. At bottom is the Coathanger asterism of stars,aka Collinder 399,or Brocchi's Cluster. At top left is the emission nebula NGC 6820. Other dark nebulas from the Lynds Dark Nebula catalogue populate the field. The blue glow above the Coathanger is reflection nebulosity which does not appear to have a catlogue number. A small reflection nebula around the blue stars at right is van den Burgh 126. The small round red emission nebula at lower left is Sharpless 2-82. The yellow star at top right is An

13998813 - A rich starfield in the constellation of Vulpecula the Fox,in the Milky Way,with a mix of nebulosity. At bottom is the Coathanger asterism of stars,aka Collinder 399,or Brocchi's Cluster. At top left is the emission nebula NGC 6820. Other dark nebulas from the Lynds Dark Nebula catalogue populate the field. The blue glow above the Coathanger is reflection nebulosity which does not appear to have a catlogue number. A small reflection nebula around the blue stars at right is van den Burgh 126. The small round red emission nebula at lower left is Sharpless 2-82. The yellow star at top right is An

This is a framing of an array of emission nebulas in Cygnus: the bright North America Nebula (NGC 7000) at right,and to the right of it,the Pelican Nebula (IC 5067/8). Those bright nebulas are set amid a complex of fainter nebulosity,notably the Clamshell Nebula at left,as it has become known recently,and catalogued as Sharpless 2-119. At bottom right is the curving Cygnus Arc,aka IC 5068. The small star cluster NGC 7044 is below the Clamshell.

13998611 - This is a framing of an array of emission nebulas in Cygnus: the bright North America Nebula (NGC 7000) at right,and to the right of it,the Pelican Nebula (IC 5067/8). Those bright nebulas are set amid a complex of fainter nebulosity,notably the Clamshell Nebula at left,as it has become known recently,and catalogued as Sharpless 2-119. At bottom right is the curving Cygnus Arc,aka IC 5068. The small star cluster NGC 7044 is below the Clamshell.

The Coma Berenices star cluster, aka Mel 111, with star glows added from haze in the sky to accentuate the star colours. The edge-on galaxy NGC 4565 (the Needle Galaxy) is at lower left; the spiral galaxy NGC 4559 is at upper left. Several other smaller NGC galaxies are in the field, which is similar to the field of view of binoculars.

13900479 - The Coma Berenices star cluster, aka Mel 111, with star glows added from haze in the sky to accentuate the star colours. The edge-on galaxy NGC 4565 (the Needle Galaxy) is at lower left; the spiral galaxy NGC 4559 is at upper left. Several other smaller NGC galaxies are in the field, which is similar to the field of view of binoculars.

The Orion Nebula complex consisting of M42, M43 and the reflection nebula area known as the Running Man Nebula, NGC 1973-5-7. NGC 1981 is the blue star cluster at top north edge. North is up, though in the sky from Australia where this was shot the object appeared upside down compared to this northern-centric view.

13899999 - The Orion Nebula complex consisting of M42, M43 and the reflection nebula area known as the Running Man Nebula, NGC 1973-5-7. NGC 1981 is the blue star cluster at top north edge. North is up, though in the sky from Australia where this was shot the object appeared upside down compared to this northern-centric view.

This is a framing of the rich array of nebulas in central Auriga. The complex of star cluster Stock 8 and IC 417 is at upper left. The large nebula at lower centre is IC 410 with the star cluster NGC 1893 embedded in it. The large nebula at right is IC 405, aka the Flaming Star Nebula, with a mix of red emission and blue reflection nebulosity.

13899799 - This is a framing of the rich array of nebulas in central Auriga. The complex of star cluster Stock 8 and IC 417 is at upper left. The large nebula at lower centre is IC 410 with the star cluster NGC 1893 embedded in it. The large nebula at right is IC 405, aka the Flaming Star Nebula, with a mix of red emission and blue reflection nebulosity.

13899593 - This is a framing of the rich array of nebulas in central Auriga. The complex of star cluster Stock 8 and IC 417 is at upper left. The large nebula at lower centre is IC 410 with the star cluster NGC 1893 embedded in it. The large nebula at right is IC 405, aka the Flaming Star Nebula, with a mix of red emission and blue reflection nebulosity.

The Pleiades star cluster and the other stars of Taurus rising above Mount Kerkeslin at Athabasca Falls, in Jasper National Park, Alberta, October 22, 2016. The sky is brightening with the rising waning Moon off frame at left. Some cloud adds star glows and hazy patches to the sky.

13898251 - The Pleiades star cluster and the other stars of Taurus rising above Mount Kerkeslin at Athabasca Falls, in Jasper National Park, Alberta, October 22, 2016. The sky is brightening with the rising waning Moon off frame at left. Some cloud adds star glows and hazy patches to the sky.

The Carina Nebula, NGC 3572, and surrounding clusters. To the upper left is NGC 3532, the Football Cluster. To the upper right is NGC 3293, the Gem Cluster To the lower left is the nebula complex NGC 3576/81. This is a stack of 5 x 10 minute exposures at f/4.3 with the Borg 77mm astrograph (330mm focal length) and filter-modified Canon 5D MkII at ISO 800. Taken from Coonabarabran, Australia, March 2014.

13898213 - The Carina Nebula, NGC 3572, and surrounding clusters. To the upper left is NGC 3532, the Football Cluster. To the upper right is NGC 3293, the Gem Cluster To the lower left is the nebula complex NGC 3576/81. This is a stack of 5 x 10 minute exposures at f/4.3 with the Borg 77mm astrograph (330mm focal length) and filter-modified Canon 5D MkII at ISO 800. Taken from Coonabarabran, Australia, March 2014.

The Coathanger star cluster and asterism in the Milky Way in southern Cygnus, aka Collinder 399 or Brocchi’s Cluster. The field is similar to what a pair of large binoculars would show. I shot this from home Nov. 25, 2019.

13898153 - The Coathanger star cluster and asterism in the Milky Way in southern Cygnus, aka Collinder 399 or Brocchi’s Cluster. The field is similar to what a pair of large binoculars would show. I shot this from home Nov. 25, 2019.

The 5-day-old waxing crescent Moon near the Beehive star cluster, Messier 44, in Cancer on the evening of May 10, 2019, set in the deep blue twilight sky, and with Earthshine still visible on the dark side of the Moon.

13897424 - The 5-day-old waxing crescent Moon near the Beehive star cluster, Messier 44, in Cancer on the evening of May 10, 2019, set in the deep blue twilight sky, and with Earthshine still visible on the dark side of the Moon.

The Baines Baobabs is a cluster of 7 baobab trees, Adansonia species, an unusual arrangement for this species. They are also known as the Sleeping Sisters. Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana.

13834949 - The Baines Baobabs is a cluster of 7 baobab trees, Adansonia species, an unusual arrangement for this species. They are also known as the Sleeping Sisters. Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana.

This is the gathering on the evening of April 22,2023 of the waxing crescent Moon below Venus and near the Hyades star cluster in Taurus,here set amid some silhouetted tree branches. The dim Earthshine is visible on the dark side of the Moon. High cloud added the natural glows on the Moon and Venus.

13999693 - This is the gathering on the evening of April 22,2023 of the waxing crescent Moon below Venus and near the Hyades star cluster in Taurus,here set amid some silhouetted tree branches. The dim Earthshine is visible on the dark side of the Moon. High cloud added the natural glows on the Moon and Venus.

This is a framing of most of the constellation of Perseus,with the core region,the group of stars called the Perseus OB Association surrounding Alpha Persei,or Mirphak,at left and above centre. The large group is also called Melotte 20 or the Perseus Moving Cluster.

13999365 - This is a framing of most of the constellation of Perseus,with the core region,the group of stars called the Perseus OB Association surrounding Alpha Persei,or Mirphak,at left and above centre. The large group is also called Melotte 20 or the Perseus Moving Cluster.

This is the small but rich star cluster nicknamed the Foxhead Cluster,or officially NGC 6819,in Cygnus. Caroline Herschel,sister of William Herschel,discovered it in 1784.

13999338 - This is the small but rich star cluster nicknamed the Foxhead Cluster,or officially NGC 6819,in Cygnus. Caroline Herschel,sister of William Herschel,discovered it in 1784.

A portrait of green Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) in Taurus beside Aldebaran and the Hyades on February 14,2023. The star cluster NGC 1647 is at upper left.

13998741 - A portrait of green Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) in Taurus beside Aldebaran and the Hyades on February 14,2023. The star cluster NGC 1647 is at upper left.

Mars amid the Beehive star cluster,Messier 44,in Cancer,on June 2,2023. The stars Asellus Borealis and Asesllus Australis are above and below Mars. The sky was still blue with summer twilight at my northern latitude,while light cloud covered much of the sky,adding the gradients and banding.

13998396 - Mars amid the Beehive star cluster,Messier 44,in Cancer,on June 2,2023. The stars Asellus Borealis and Asesllus Australis are above and below Mars. The sky was still blue with summer twilight at my northern latitude,while light cloud covered much of the sky,adding the gradients and banding.

This is a rich region in the Milky Way in northern Sagittarius. with four Messier objects: The Small Sagittarius Starcloud,aka Messier 24,is at right of centre,flanked by: the pink Messier 17,the Swan or Omega Nebula,above; and the star cluster Messier 25 at lower left. Above M25 at upper left is the star cluster NGC 6645. Below M17 is the small star cluster Messier 18. The small but rich star cluster embedded in the Starcloud is NGC 6603. The nebulosity at bottom is IC 1283,a red emission nebula; and NGC 6589/90 and NGC 6595,both blue reflection nebulas. The dark nebula on the west (right) si

13998256 - This is a rich region in the Milky Way in northern Sagittarius. with four Messier objects: The Small Sagittarius Starcloud,aka Messier 24,is at right of centre,flanked by: the pink Messier 17,the Swan or Omega Nebula,above; and the star cluster Messier 25 at lower left. Above M25 at upper left is the star cluster NGC 6645. Below M17 is the small star cluster Messier 18. The small but rich star cluster embedded in the Starcloud is NGC 6603. The nebulosity at bottom is IC 1283,a red emission nebula; and NGC 6589/90 and NGC 6595,both blue reflection nebulas. The dark nebula on the west (right) si

The Orion Nebula, M42 and M43, with surrounding associated nebula and star clusters, such as the Running Man Nebula above (NGC 1975) and blue star cluster above it, NGC 1981.

13900339 - The Orion Nebula, M42 and M43, with surrounding associated nebula and star clusters, such as the Running Man Nebula above (NGC 1975) and blue star cluster above it, NGC 1981.

The southern Milky Way from Canis Major to Carina, including Puppis and Vela and the large Gum Nebula complex, an interstellar bubble blown by stellar winds. Sirius at at right and Canopus at lower left. The open cluster NGC 251t6 is at far left. M41 cluster is left of Sirius.

13900254 - The southern Milky Way from Canis Major to Carina, including Puppis and Vela and the large Gum Nebula complex, an interstellar bubble blown by stellar winds. Sirius at at right and Canopus at lower left. The open cluster NGC 251t6 is at far left. M41 cluster is left of Sirius.

The summer Milky Way to the southwest over Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta on a moonless night, August 29, 2016. The bright star at top is Altair, with the stars of Aquila being the main constellation here, with the Scutum starcloud just over the glacier and the stars of Ophiuchus to the right. The Serpens-Ophiuchus Double Cluster is prominent here just to the right of the Milky Way.

13900127 - The summer Milky Way to the southwest over Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta on a moonless night, August 29, 2016. The bright star at top is Altair, with the stars of Aquila being the main constellation here, with the Scutum starcloud just over the glacier and the stars of Ophiuchus to the right. The Serpens-Ophiuchus Double Cluster is prominent here just to the right of the Milky Way.

The small constellation of Sagitta the Arrow, in the Milky Way. The small globular cluster, Messier 71, is between Gamma Sagittae and Delta Sagittae. Below M71 is the very sparse star cluster Harvard 20. The emission nebula Sharpless 2-84 is supposedly at centre but does not show up here except perhaps as a dim blue area of reflection nebulosity, though there is some faint red emission nebulosity at lower right.

13899970 - The small constellation of Sagitta the Arrow, in the Milky Way. The small globular cluster, Messier 71, is between Gamma Sagittae and Delta Sagittae. Below M71 is the very sparse star cluster Harvard 20. The emission nebula Sharpless 2-84 is supposedly at centre but does not show up here except perhaps as a dim blue area of reflection nebulosity, though there is some faint red emission nebulosity at lower right.

Splendours of the southern Milky Way from Vela (at top right) to Centaurus (at bottom left), including the Carina Nebula, Crux and Coal Sack, and Alpha and Beta Centauri. A part of the huge Gum Nebula is at far right. The False Cross is at right, with the large cluster NGC 2516, the Diamond Cluster, below it. The globular cluster Omega Centauri is at upper left.

13899335 - Splendours of the southern Milky Way from Vela (at top right) to Centaurus (at bottom left), including the Carina Nebula, Crux and Coal Sack, and Alpha and Beta Centauri. A part of the huge Gum Nebula is at far right. The False Cross is at right, with the large cluster NGC 2516, the Diamond Cluster, below it. The globular cluster Omega Centauri is at upper left.

A framing of the group of large binocular-class star clusters in Serpens and Ophiuchus: notably, the pairing of IC 4756 (left) and NGC 6633 (right) at upper left, sometimes known as the S-O Double Cluster, or Tweedledum and Tweedledee (really!), and the cluster IC 4665 at right above the bright star Cebelrai, or Beta Ophiuchi.

13899318 - A framing of the group of large binocular-class star clusters in Serpens and Ophiuchus: notably, the pairing of IC 4756 (left) and NGC 6633 (right) at upper left, sometimes known as the S-O Double Cluster, or Tweedledum and Tweedledee (really!), and the cluster IC 4665 at right above the bright star Cebelrai, or Beta Ophiuchi.

The region of the Milky Way in Puppis and Vela encompassing the vast Gum Nebula, a photographic object only. Sirius and Canis Major are at right; Canopus in Carina is at bottom. The False Cross and the open cluster NGC 2516 are at left.

13899148 - The region of the Milky Way in Puppis and Vela encompassing the vast Gum Nebula, a photographic object only. Sirius and Canis Major are at right; Canopus in Carina is at bottom. The False Cross and the open cluster NGC 2516 are at left.

Mars (below) and Saturn in conjunction 1.3° apart in Sagittarus in the dawn sky on April 3, 2018. They were a little closer the previous morning but it was cloudy! The fuzzy spot to the right of Mars is the globular cluster M22.

13899132 - Mars (below) and Saturn in conjunction 1.3° apart in Sagittarus in the dawn sky on April 3, 2018. They were a little closer the previous morning but it was cloudy! The fuzzy spot to the right of Mars is the globular cluster M22.

The area of the Rosette Nebula (bottom) and Christmas Tree Cluster (top) in Monoceros with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The nebulosity at top includes the Cone Nebula.

13898988 - The area of the Rosette Nebula (bottom) and Christmas Tree Cluster (top) in Monoceros with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The nebulosity at top includes the Cone Nebula.

Bright reddish Mars above the Hyades star cluster with yellow Aldebaran below Mars to serve as a "compare and contrast " to Mars. The blue Pleiades are at upper right. Two other NGC clusters in Taurus are in the frame: NGC 1647 to the left of the Hyades and NGC 1747 at the right edge of the frame. The small clusters NGC 1817 and 1807 are at lower left. The Taurus Dark Clouds are at upper left. Aldebaran is magnitude +1 while Mars was -0.2 this morning and getting brighter by the day as it approached its December opposition this year, 2022.

13898765 - Bright reddish Mars above the Hyades star cluster with yellow Aldebaran below Mars to serve as a "compare and contrast " to Mars. The blue Pleiades are at upper right. Two other NGC clusters in Taurus are in the frame: NGC 1647 to the left of the Hyades and NGC 1747 at the right edge of the frame. The small clusters NGC 1817 and 1807 are at lower left. The Taurus Dark Clouds are at upper left. Aldebaran is magnitude +1 while Mars was -0.2 this morning and getting brighter by the day as it approached its December opposition this year, 2022.

The area of the head of Orion with the large Lambda Orionis nebulosity surrounding the star Meissa at top, with Betelgeuse (left) and Bellatrix (right) at bottom, with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The open cluster around Meissa is Collinder 69.

13897818 - The area of the head of Orion with the large Lambda Orionis nebulosity surrounding the star Meissa at top, with Betelgeuse (left) and Bellatrix (right) at bottom, with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The open cluster around Meissa is Collinder 69.

The large emission nebula IC 1805 in Cassiopeia, aka the Heart Nebula. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The large loose star cluster at centre is Mel 15; the star cluster at left is NGC 1027. The small cluster below NGC 896 is Tombaugh 4.

13897628 - The large emission nebula IC 1805 in Cassiopeia, aka the Heart Nebula. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The large loose star cluster at centre is Mel 15; the star cluster at left is NGC 1027. The small cluster below NGC 896 is Tombaugh 4.

The constellation of Canis Major, including the bright star Sirius, and below it, the open cluster M41. At bottom is the loose cluster/asterism CR 140. This is a stack of 6 x 4 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the Sigma 50mm lens and Canon 60Da at ISO 800. I shot this from Coonabarabran, Australia with the constellation straight overhead. I used the iOptron Sky Tracker. High cloud added the natural glows around stars - no filter was employed here.

13897592 - The constellation of Canis Major, including the bright star Sirius, and below it, the open cluster M41. At bottom is the loose cluster/asterism CR 140. This is a stack of 6 x 4 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the Sigma 50mm lens and Canon 60Da at ISO 800. I shot this from Coonabarabran, Australia with the constellation straight overhead. I used the iOptron Sky Tracker. High cloud added the natural glows around stars - no filter was employed here.

A pair of baobab trees, Adansonia species, on the edge of a salt pan. The Baines Baobabs is a cluster of 7 baobab trees. They are also known as the Sleeping Sisters. Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana.

13834953 - A pair of baobab trees, Adansonia species, on the edge of a salt pan. The Baines Baobabs is a cluster of 7 baobab trees. They are also known as the Sleeping Sisters. Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana.

This frames the bright Scutum Starcloud at centre and surrounding region of the Milky Way,with the bright starfields contrasting with the dark lanes and obscuring dust in this region of the Milky Way. The bright star cluster Messier 11,or the Wild Duck Cluster,is left of centre embedded in the Starcloud. The smaller star cluster M26 is below it. At bottom right,the star cluster set in a dark lane and above the blue star is NGC 6649. That blue star has a small reflection nebula around it,IC 1287.

13999719 - This frames the bright Scutum Starcloud at centre and surrounding region of the Milky Way,with the bright starfields contrasting with the dark lanes and obscuring dust in this region of the Milky Way. The bright star cluster Messier 11,or the Wild Duck Cluster,is left of centre embedded in the Starcloud. The smaller star cluster M26 is below it. At bottom right,the star cluster set in a dark lane and above the blue star is NGC 6649. That blue star has a small reflection nebula around it,IC 1287.

A panorama of the Milky Way from Scutum (at left) to Serpens (at right),taking in the Scutum Starcloud just left of centre and the Messier 16 and 17 nebulas (the Eagle and Swan respectively) at right. The large faint patch of red above and left of M16 is Sharpless 2-54. The star cluster M25 is at lower right. The M11 and M26 clusters are visible at centre in Scutum.

13999050 - A panorama of the Milky Way from Scutum (at left) to Serpens (at right),taking in the Scutum Starcloud just left of centre and the Messier 16 and 17 nebulas (the Eagle and Swan respectively) at right. The large faint patch of red above and left of M16 is Sharpless 2-54. The star cluster M25 is at lower right. The M11 and M26 clusters are visible at centre in Scutum.

The star cluster Messier 50 in Monoceros the Unicorn,in a wide-field telephoto image simulating the feld of view of binoculars. The Seagull Nebula shows up at bottom. To the left is the cluster NGC 2353.

13999007 - The star cluster Messier 50 in Monoceros the Unicorn,in a wide-field telephoto image simulating the feld of view of binoculars. The Seagull Nebula shows up at bottom. To the left is the cluster NGC 2353.

A framing of the northern spring constellation of Cancer the Crab,between the constellations of Leo (at left with the bright star Regulus) and part of Gemini (at upper right with Castor and Pollux) and Canis Minor (at lower right woth Procyon). Cancer is marked by the large binocular star cluster,Messier 44,the Beehive,at centre here. The head of Hydra is at bottom centre. Between the two is the small star cluster M67,just resolved here.

13998878 - A framing of the northern spring constellation of Cancer the Crab,between the constellations of Leo (at left with the bright star Regulus) and part of Gemini (at upper right with Castor and Pollux) and Canis Minor (at lower right woth Procyon). Cancer is marked by the large binocular star cluster,Messier 44,the Beehive,at centre here. The head of Hydra is at bottom centre. Between the two is the small star cluster M67,just resolved here.

This is a framing of the Cygnus Starcloud in the northern Milky Way,with the patches of red hydrogen gas throughout the region emphasized. The field takes in the "neck" of Cygnus,from north of Eta Cygni at left,to just south of Beta Cygni,aka Albireo,at right,with the field oriented along the Milky Way. Some of the nebulosity here is numbered in the Sharpless catalogue. For example,the faint arc left of Albireo is Sharpless 2-91. The brightest patch of nebulosity lower left of Eta Cygni is Sh2-101. The nebula in the botttom right corner is NGC 6820 in Vulpecula. The globular cluster M56 in Lyr

13998821 - This is a framing of the Cygnus Starcloud in the northern Milky Way,with the patches of red hydrogen gas throughout the region emphasized. The field takes in the "neck" of Cygnus,from north of Eta Cygni at left,to just south of Beta Cygni,aka Albireo,at right,with the field oriented along the Milky Way. Some of the nebulosity here is numbered in the Sharpless catalogue. For example,the faint arc left of Albireo is Sharpless 2-91. The brightest patch of nebulosity lower left of Eta Cygni is Sh2-101. The nebula in the botttom right corner is NGC 6820 in Vulpecula. The globular cluster M56 in Lyr

The Heart Nebula (aka IC 1805) at right, and the Soul Nebula (aka IC 1848) at left, in Cassiopeia. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The star cluster at right embedded in the Heart Nebula is NGC 1027. Shot from home in Alberta on November 21, 2019.

13900520 - The Heart Nebula (aka IC 1805) at right, and the Soul Nebula (aka IC 1848) at left, in Cassiopeia. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The star cluster at right embedded in the Heart Nebula is NGC 1027. Shot from home in Alberta on November 21, 2019.

The sparse star cluster IC 4665 in Ophiuchus above the yellow star Cebalrai or Beta Ophiuchi. This is a big cluster best suited to observing with binoculars.

13900158 - The sparse star cluster IC 4665 in Ophiuchus above the yellow star Cebalrai or Beta Ophiuchi. This is a big cluster best suited to observing with binoculars.

The Scutum Starcloud (at top) in the Milky Way, with the Milky Way also bright to the south in Serpens. The nebulas M16 and M17 are at the bottom of the field. The bright star cluster M11, the Wild Duck Cluster, is at the top on the northern edge of the Scutum Starcloud. The area is rife with dark nebulas and dust lanes.

13899972 - The Scutum Starcloud (at top) in the Milky Way, with the Milky Way also bright to the south in Serpens. The nebulas M16 and M17 are at the bottom of the field. The bright star cluster M11, the Wild Duck Cluster, is at the top on the northern edge of the Scutum Starcloud. The area is rife with dark nebulas and dust lanes.

The spectacular field of Messier 8 and 20 emission and reflection nebulas in Sagittarius, with M8, aka the Lagoon Nebula below, and M20, the Trifid Nebula, above, all set in the rich starfields of the Milky Way. The diffuse nebula left of M8 is NGC 6559. Two globular clusters, NGC 6544 and NGC 6553, sit below and to the left (east) of M8. The Messier open cluster, M21, sits above M20.

13899923 - The spectacular field of Messier 8 and 20 emission and reflection nebulas in Sagittarius, with M8, aka the Lagoon Nebula below, and M20, the Trifid Nebula, above, all set in the rich starfields of the Milky Way. The diffuse nebula left of M8 is NGC 6559. Two globular clusters, NGC 6544 and NGC 6553, sit below and to the left (east) of M8. The Messier open cluster, M21, sits above M20.

This is the field in Vulpecula the Fox that contains the famous planetary nebula, the Dumbbell Nebula aka Messier 27, at left, but also the faint emission nebulas NGC 6820 at right and Sharpless 2-88 above it. The small star cluster below centre is NGC 6830. A small star cluster, NGC 6823, lies embedded in NGC 6820. The field is yellowed by the interstellar dust reddening distant objects.

13899801 - This is the field in Vulpecula the Fox that contains the famous planetary nebula, the Dumbbell Nebula aka Messier 27, at left, but also the faint emission nebulas NGC 6820 at right and Sharpless 2-88 above it. The small star cluster below centre is NGC 6830. A small star cluster, NGC 6823, lies embedded in NGC 6820. The field is yellowed by the interstellar dust reddening distant objects.

Horizon-to-zenith panorama of the northern winter sky, from Canis Major in the south just above the horizon to Cassiopeia past the zenith at the top of the frame. Capella is near the zenith above centre. The extra star at left is Mars, just 10 days past opposition, on Feb. 9, 2010, when it was just above the Beehive star cluster. Taken with Canon 5DMkII and Canon 15mm lens, at f/5 for stack of 3 exposures x 4.5 minutes each at ISO 800. Two exposures had frost on the lens, thus the big star haloes. Taken from southern Alberta, Canada.

13899690 - Horizon-to-zenith panorama of the northern winter sky, from Canis Major in the south just above the horizon to Cassiopeia past the zenith at the top of the frame. Capella is near the zenith above centre. The extra star at left is Mars, just 10 days past opposition, on Feb. 9, 2010, when it was just above the Beehive star cluster. Taken with Canon 5DMkII and Canon 15mm lens, at f/5 for stack of 3 exposures x 4.5 minutes each at ISO 800. Two exposures had frost on the lens, thus the big star haloes. Taken from southern Alberta, Canada.

13899605 - Messier 16, the Eagle Nebula in Serpens. The cluster embedded in the nebula is NGC 6611. The small open cluster above is Trumpler 32.

Comey Lovejoy, C/2014 Q2, nearest the Pleiades star cluster, Messier 45, on the night of Sunday, January 18, 2015, with its blue ion tail almost passing over the cluster. This is a stack of 6 x 2 minute exposures at f/2.5 with the 135mm lens and Canon 5D MkII at ISO 1600, on the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer tracker. Taken from City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico, Some haze was passing thru this night but this is a stack of the cleanest frames.

13899504 - Comey Lovejoy, C/2014 Q2, nearest the Pleiades star cluster, Messier 45, on the night of Sunday, January 18, 2015, with its blue ion tail almost passing over the cluster. This is a stack of 6 x 2 minute exposures at f/2.5 with the 135mm lens and Canon 5D MkII at ISO 1600, on the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer tracker. Taken from City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico, Some haze was passing thru this night but this is a stack of the cleanest frames.

The Pleiades, aka Messier 45, embedded in the dusty nebulosity the star cluster is passing through in Taurus. The dust clouds are illuminated by light from the hot young blue stars.

13899109 - The Pleiades, aka Messier 45, embedded in the dusty nebulosity the star cluster is passing through in Taurus. The dust clouds are illuminated by light from the hot young blue stars.

This is NGC 457, the ET or Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia, in a stack of images showing the total number of satellite trails recorded over the 36 minutes of total expposure time this night. By coincidence, the trails frame the main subject, but the number of satellites now above us make it nearly impossible to take a long exposure image, certainly at the start or end of a night, without recording at least one satellite trail, if not more, per image. Some of the parallel streaks could be Starlink satellites.

13899101 - This is NGC 457, the ET or Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia, in a stack of images showing the total number of satellite trails recorded over the 36 minutes of total expposure time this night. By coincidence, the trails frame the main subject, but the number of satellites now above us make it nearly impossible to take a long exposure image, certainly at the start or end of a night, without recording at least one satellite trail, if not more, per image. Some of the parallel streaks could be Starlink satellites.

This is a portrait of the main nebulosity in Orion in his Sword, including: the Orion Nebula itself (at centre), aka Messiers 42 and 43, and the Running Man Nebula above (aka NGC 1973-5-7). The bright blue star cluster NGC 1981 shines above the Running Man. The subtle reflection nebula NGC 1999 is below M42 but a bit lost amid the other faint and dusty nebulosity.

13899071 - This is a portrait of the main nebulosity in Orion in his Sword, including: the Orion Nebula itself (at centre), aka Messiers 42 and 43, and the Running Man Nebula above (aka NGC 1973-5-7). The bright blue star cluster NGC 1981 shines above the Running Man. The subtle reflection nebula NGC 1999 is below M42 but a bit lost amid the other faint and dusty nebulosity.

This is a framing of the rich array of star clusters and nebulas in central Auriga. The large star cluster Messier 38 is at top left, with the small cluster NGC 1907 just below it. The smaller star cluster Messier 36 is at left. M38 is often called the Starfish Cluster, while M36 is the Pinwheel Cluster.

13899046 - This is a framing of the rich array of star clusters and nebulas in central Auriga. The large star cluster Messier 38 is at top left, with the small cluster NGC 1907 just below it. The smaller star cluster Messier 36 is at left. M38 is often called the Starfish Cluster, while M36 is the Pinwheel Cluster.

The wonderful open star clusrter NGC 6124 in Scorpius amid a field of dark nebulas and on the edge of a bright star cloud with red emission nebulosity. I call this the Dark River Cluster.

13899037 - The wonderful open star clusrter NGC 6124 in Scorpius amid a field of dark nebulas and on the edge of a bright star cloud with red emission nebulosity. I call this the Dark River Cluster.

The Messier star cluster M38 at left, with the smaller NGC 1907 cluster below, amid a complex field of nebulosity in central Auriga, including from left to right: IC 417 (at bottom), IC 410 (lower right), and IC 405 (at upper right), aka the Flaming Star Nebula.

13898822 - The Messier star cluster M38 at left, with the smaller NGC 1907 cluster below, amid a complex field of nebulosity in central Auriga, including from left to right: IC 417 (at bottom), IC 410 (lower right), and IC 405 (at upper right), aka the Flaming Star Nebula.

The complex area of clusters and nebulosity in central Auriga, including: M38 the Starfish Cluster and its smaller companion cluster NGC 1907; the emission/reflection nebulas NGC 1931, IC 417, IC 410 and IC 405 (from right to left here). Magenta and cyan (from emission and reflection components) IC 405 at right is the Flaming Star Nebula. Between IC 405 and IC 410 is the asterism known as The Little Fish.

13898788 - The complex area of clusters and nebulosity in central Auriga, including: M38 the Starfish Cluster and its smaller companion cluster NGC 1907; the emission/reflection nebulas NGC 1931, IC 417, IC 410 and IC 405 (from right to left here). Magenta and cyan (from emission and reflection components) IC 405 at right is the Flaming Star Nebula. Between IC 405 and IC 410 is the asterism known as The Little Fish.

13898673 - Messier 17, the Swan Nebula, aka the Omega or Checkmark Nebula, with the open cluster M18 below it.

$Double Cluster in Perseus, taken Oct 14, 2007 with 5-inch apo refractor at f/6 with Canon 20Da at ISO 800 for stack of 4 x 8 minute exposures. Some haze. Used ST402 guider.$

13898664 - Double Cluster in Perseus, taken Oct 14, 2007 with 5-inch apo refractor at f/6 with Canon 20Da at ISO 800 for stack of 4 x 8 minute exposures. Some haze. Used ST402 guider.

The Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, just before the waning Moon rose over the mountains to light the foreground, but as it was already lighting the peaks around the Icefields. The Milky Way is fading into the blue sky of a moonlit night. The Moon is rising just left of centre below the Pleiades cluster. The Big Dipper is at far left to the north.

13898062 - The Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, just before the waning Moon rose over the mountains to light the foreground, but as it was already lighting the peaks around the Icefields. The Milky Way is fading into the blue sky of a moonlit night. The Moon is rising just left of centre below the Pleiades cluster. The Big Dipper is at far left to the north.

A dim aurora to the north at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, at the Larson Ranch site and its rustic pioneer cabins. Taken August 8, 2016. This is looking northeast to Andromeda (the Andromeda Galaxy is above centre) and Perseus (the Double Cluster is left of centre). This Park is a Dark Sky Preserve. There are no lights visible. Illumination here is from starlight and the setting waxing crescent Moon to the southwest.

13897898 - A dim aurora to the north at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, at the Larson Ranch site and its rustic pioneer cabins. Taken August 8, 2016. This is looking northeast to Andromeda (the Andromeda Galaxy is above centre) and Perseus (the Double Cluster is left of centre). This Park is a Dark Sky Preserve. There are no lights visible. Illumination here is from starlight and the setting waxing crescent Moon to the southwest.

The area around the head of Scorpius, including the bright star Antares at lower left of centre and the dark lanes leading to the star Rho Ophiuchi. The area is filled with colourful nebulosity, including yellow and blue reflection nebulas and magenta emission nebulas. To the right of Antares is the globular cluster Messier 4. The field is similar to what binoculars would take in.

13897790 - The area around the head of Scorpius, including the bright star Antares at lower left of centre and the dark lanes leading to the star Rho Ophiuchi. The area is filled with colourful nebulosity, including yellow and blue reflection nebulas and magenta emission nebulas. To the right of Antares is the globular cluster Messier 4. The field is similar to what binoculars would take in.

The Messier star cluster M35 at top right, along with nearby faint nebulas: IC 443, the arc of nebulosity left of centre, and NGC 2174 at bottom right, all set in a very colourful starfield.

13897488 - The Messier star cluster M35 at top right, along with nearby faint nebulas: IC 443, the arc of nebulosity left of centre, and NGC 2174 at bottom right, all set in a very colourful starfield.

A framing of some of the main open star clusters in eastern Cassiopeia, including: NGC 663 at lower left and NGC 457 at upper right. NGC 457 is known as the Owl or ET Cluster. Above NGC 457 is smaller NGC 436 and above NGC 663 is smaller NGC 654. To the right of NGC 663 is NGC 659. Between NGC 663 and the bright blue star Ruchbah is Messier 103. The yellowed cluster in the extreme lower left corner is Be 6.

13897434 - A framing of some of the main open star clusters in eastern Cassiopeia, including: NGC 663 at lower left and NGC 457 at upper right. NGC 457 is known as the Owl or ET Cluster. Above NGC 457 is smaller NGC 436 and above NGC 663 is smaller NGC 654. To the right of NGC 663 is NGC 659. Between NGC 663 and the bright blue star Ruchbah is Messier 103. The yellowed cluster in the extreme lower left corner is Be 6.

A cluster of Peaock Worms (Sabella Pavonina) with their feed heads in full splendour attached to discarded rope with phytoplankton rich green water in the background. The rope ascends to the surface. Loch Etive, Scotland.

13829484 - A cluster of Peaock Worms (Sabella Pavonina) with their feed heads in full splendour attached to discarded rope with phytoplankton rich green water in the background. The rope ascends to the surface. Loch Etive, Scotland.

A panorama of the Milky Way on a February winter night over the Badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park,Alberta. The panorama extends from Canis Major low on the horizon to Perseus at top near the zenith. Orion is at right of centre,with Gemini to the left and Taurus and Auriga above Orion. Mars is the bright reddish object in Taurus aboce similarly coloured but dimmer Aldebaran,itself amid the Hyades star cluster. The blue Pleiades is at upper right. Sirius is the bright star at bottom. The image takes in the complete Winter Hexagon (aka the Winter Circle) of bright stars.

13999701 - A panorama of the Milky Way on a February winter night over the Badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park,Alberta. The panorama extends from Canis Major low on the horizon to Perseus at top near the zenith. Orion is at right of centre,with Gemini to the left and Taurus and Auriga above Orion. Mars is the bright reddish object in Taurus aboce similarly coloured but dimmer Aldebaran,itself amid the Hyades star cluster. The blue Pleiades is at upper right. Sirius is the bright star at bottom. The image takes in the complete Winter Hexagon (aka the Winter Circle) of bright stars.

This is the field near the bright star Gamma Cassiopeiae,or Navi,at left,with the reflection nebulas IC 63 (bottom) and IC 59,aka the Ghost of Cassiopeia,above the bright star. At lower right is the star cluster NGC 129,while at top centre is a loose cluster NGC 225,aka the Sailboat Cluster. It has a small patch of reflection nebulosity near it identified as van denBurgh 4 in the Tri-Atlas. It was not marked on other atlases. Many orange giant stars pervade the area.

13999611 - This is the field near the bright star Gamma Cassiopeiae,or Navi,at left,with the reflection nebulas IC 63 (bottom) and IC 59,aka the Ghost of Cassiopeia,above the bright star. At lower right is the star cluster NGC 129,while at top centre is a loose cluster NGC 225,aka the Sailboat Cluster. It has a small patch of reflection nebulosity near it identified as van denBurgh 4 in the Tri-Atlas. It was not marked on other atlases. Many orange giant stars pervade the area.

A framing of a field in southwestern Gemini rich in star clusters and nebulas. At top right is the rich star cluster Messier 35 and its small more distant companion cluster NGC 2158. At bottom right is the emission nebula NGC 2174 that is over the border in northern Orion. Above centre is the supernova remnant IC 443 arcing to the east of the orange star Propus or Eta Geminorum. The large diffuse nebula at left is IC 444 above the orange star Tejat Posterior or Mu Geminorum. The large,loose cluster Collinder 89 is embedded in IC 444. That region also has some blue reflection nebulosity,as does

13999418 - A framing of a field in southwestern Gemini rich in star clusters and nebulas. At top right is the rich star cluster Messier 35 and its small more distant companion cluster NGC 2158. At bottom right is the emission nebula NGC 2174 that is over the border in northern Orion. Above centre is the supernova remnant IC 443 arcing to the east of the orange star Propus or Eta Geminorum. The large diffuse nebula at left is IC 444 above the orange star Tejat Posterior or Mu Geminorum. The large,loose cluster Collinder 89 is embedded in IC 444. That region also has some blue reflection nebulosity,as does

A close passage of Venus by the Pleiades star cluster (M45) on April 9,2023. Venus was closer to the Pleiades the next night,but clouds prevented a shot on April 10. But the night before closest approach was clear enough for long enough to get this shot of the bright planet and stars set in the deep blue twilight.

13999322 - A close passage of Venus by the Pleiades star cluster (M45) on April 9,2023. Venus was closer to the Pleiades the next night,but clouds prevented a shot on April 10. But the night before closest approach was clear enough for long enough to get this shot of the bright planet and stars set in the deep blue twilight.

This is the complex of nebulosity around the star Gamma Cygni,aka Sadr,in central Cygnus,and labeled IC1318 or the Butterfly Nebula. The star cluster NGC 6910 is at top centre. The dark dust lane cutting through the nebula is catalogued as Lynds Dark Nebula 889.

13999028 - This is the complex of nebulosity around the star Gamma Cygni,aka Sadr,in central Cygnus,and labeled IC1318 or the Butterfly Nebula. The star cluster NGC 6910 is at top centre. The dark dust lane cutting through the nebula is catalogued as Lynds Dark Nebula 889.

This is a framing of the starfield in the Milky Way from Sagitta the Arrow,at bottom,to the planetary nebula Messier 27 or the Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula at top. The globular star cluster M71 is at lower left in Sagitta. The sparse open cluster NGC 6830 is at top right. Interstellar dust dims and yellows the starfield.

13998744 - This is a framing of the starfield in the Milky Way from Sagitta the Arrow,at bottom,to the planetary nebula Messier 27 or the Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula at top. The globular star cluster M71 is at lower left in Sagitta. The sparse open cluster NGC 6830 is at top right. Interstellar dust dims and yellows the starfield.

This is a framing of the Scutum Starcloud in the Milky Way,with the bright and rich Wild Duck Cluster,aka Messier 11,embedded in the Starcloud at upper left. The smaller open star cluster M26 is at bottom centre; while the globular cluster NGC 6712 is at lower left,with the small green planetary nebula IC 1295 visible beside it to the left. The area is a study in contrasts between the rich starclouds of the Milky Way and the dark lanes of interstellar dust. The most prominent and densest of those is at upper right,Barnard 103. At top is B110. The general regime of interstellar dust in the regi

13998706 - This is a framing of the Scutum Starcloud in the Milky Way,with the bright and rich Wild Duck Cluster,aka Messier 11,embedded in the Starcloud at upper left. The smaller open star cluster M26 is at bottom centre; while the globular cluster NGC 6712 is at lower left,with the small green planetary nebula IC 1295 visible beside it to the left. The area is a study in contrasts between the rich starclouds of the Milky Way and the dark lanes of interstellar dust. The most prominent and densest of those is at upper right,Barnard 103. At top is B110. The general regime of interstellar dust in the regi

This is the pair of mismatched globular star clusters,Messier 53 (on the right) and NGC 5053 in Coma Berenices. M53 is a rich cluster while NGC 5053 is fainter and rather poorly populated. The difference is intrinsic as both clusters lie about the same distance away,some 53,000 light years. The brightest star at lower right is Diadem,or Alpha Comae Barenices. A number of faint and tiny IC,PGC and UGC galaxies dot the field.

13998507 - This is the pair of mismatched globular star clusters,Messier 53 (on the right) and NGC 5053 in Coma Berenices. M53 is a rich cluster while NGC 5053 is fainter and rather poorly populated. The difference is intrinsic as both clusters lie about the same distance away,some 53,000 light years. The brightest star at lower right is Diadem,or Alpha Comae Barenices. A number of faint and tiny IC,PGC and UGC galaxies dot the field.

A portrait of the constellation of Lyra the Harp from May 2023,with a 135mm telephoto lens to frame this small pattern. Vega is the bright star and the double star to the left of Vega is Epsilon Lyrae. The colourful small group below it is the sparse star cluster Stephenson 1 surrounding the stars Delta1 and Delta2 Lyrae. The globular cluster M56 is just in the lower left corner.

13998473 - A portrait of the constellation of Lyra the Harp from May 2023,with a 135mm telephoto lens to frame this small pattern. Vega is the bright star and the double star to the left of Vega is Epsilon Lyrae. The colourful small group below it is the sparse star cluster Stephenson 1 surrounding the stars Delta1 and Delta2 Lyrae. The globular cluster M56 is just in the lower left corner.

A framing of the core of the great Coma-Virgo Galaxy Cluster,with the bright pair of elliptical Messier-catalogue galaxies M84 (right) and M86 (on the left) at upper right anchoring the arc of galaxies called Markarian's Chain. At centre is the giant elliptical M87,famous for its monster black hole. M89,a smaller elliptical,is to the left,and M90,a spiral galaxy,is above it. M58 is at lower left,and the pair of interacting galaxies called the Siamese Twins,NGC 4568,are at bottom left. Dozens of other NGC,IC and PGC galaxies down to 15th magnitude dot the field.

13998451 - A framing of the core of the great Coma-Virgo Galaxy Cluster,with the bright pair of elliptical Messier-catalogue galaxies M84 (right) and M86 (on the left) at upper right anchoring the arc of galaxies called Markarian's Chain. At centre is the giant elliptical M87,famous for its monster black hole. M89,a smaller elliptical,is to the left,and M90,a spiral galaxy,is above it. M58 is at lower left,and the pair of interacting galaxies called the Siamese Twins,NGC 4568,are at bottom left. Dozens of other NGC,IC and PGC galaxies down to 15th magnitude dot the field.

This is a panorama of the Milky Way from Vulpecula and Sagitta (at left) to Serpens and Sagittarius (at right). The Coathanger asterism of stars,aka CR399,is at upper left. At centre is the constellation of Aquila with the bright star Altair at bottom. The Scutum Starcloud with Messier 11 is right of centre. The pink Eagle and Swan Nebulas,(M16 and M17) are at far right,as is the Small Sagittarius Starcloud,Messier 24. Flanking M24 are the two large star clusters,M25 (below) and M23 (above),amid the trees. The globular cluster M22 is at bottom right,also just clearing the trees. The large diff

13998401 - This is a panorama of the Milky Way from Vulpecula and Sagitta (at left) to Serpens and Sagittarius (at right). The Coathanger asterism of stars,aka CR399,is at upper left. At centre is the constellation of Aquila with the bright star Altair at bottom. The Scutum Starcloud with Messier 11 is right of centre. The pink Eagle and Swan Nebulas,(M16 and M17) are at far right,as is the Small Sagittarius Starcloud,Messier 24. Flanking M24 are the two large star clusters,M25 (below) and M23 (above),amid the trees. The globular cluster M22 is at bottom right,also just clearing the trees. The large diff

A mosaic of the rich region in Sagittarius and southern Serpens, from the Small Sagittarius Starcloud (Messier 24) at bottom to Messier 16, the Eagle Nebula, at top, with a fainter nebula above it around the cluster NGC 6604. At centre is the Swan or Omega Nebula, Messier 17. The dark nebula below centre is Barnard 92.

13900277 - A mosaic of the rich region in Sagittarius and southern Serpens, from the Small Sagittarius Starcloud (Messier 24) at bottom to Messier 16, the Eagle Nebula, at top, with a fainter nebula above it around the cluster NGC 6604. At centre is the Swan or Omega Nebula, Messier 17. The dark nebula below centre is Barnard 92.

The region in Serpens and Ophiuchus containing the Serpens-Ophiuchus (S-O) Double Cluster, here at top left, and the large binocular cluster IC 4655 above the cyan-tinted star Cebalrai, here at right. The S-O pair is made of IC 4756 (left) and NGC 6633 (right).

13899697 - The region in Serpens and Ophiuchus containing the Serpens-Ophiuchus (S-O) Double Cluster, here at top left, and the large binocular cluster IC 4655 above the cyan-tinted star Cebalrai, here at right. The S-O pair is made of IC 4756 (left) and NGC 6633 (right).

This is a stack of images demonstrating the number of satellites passing through the field of a wide-field telescope over a little more an hour. The field frames the Coma Berenices star cluster. This is from my home at 51° North, a latitude more prone to seeing satellites lit by the Sun well into the evening, if not all night closer to summer solstice. Most trails are north-south so they are likely NOT Starlink satellites but polar orbiting satellites. Interesting that the trails have different colours, likely from their solar panels or other structures reflecting blue and gold tints.

13899519 - This is a stack of images demonstrating the number of satellites passing through the field of a wide-field telescope over a little more an hour. The field frames the Coma Berenices star cluster. This is from my home at 51° North, a latitude more prone to seeing satellites lit by the Sun well into the evening, if not all night closer to summer solstice. Most trails are north-south so they are likely NOT Starlink satellites but polar orbiting satellites. Interesting that the trails have different colours, likely from their solar panels or other structures reflecting blue and gold tints.

A wide-angle view of the total eclipse of the Moon of November 8, 2022, with the red Moon at right amid the stars of the northern winter sky and Milky Way, plus with bright red Mars at top. Above and left of the Moon is the blue Pleiades star cluster, while below it and to the left is the larger Hyades cluster with reddish Aldebaran in Taurus. The stars of Orion are left of centre, including reddish Betelgeuse, while at far left are the two Dog Stars: Procyon, at top, in Canis Minor, and Sirius, at bottom, in Canis Major.

13899282 - A wide-angle view of the total eclipse of the Moon of November 8, 2022, with the red Moon at right amid the stars of the northern winter sky and Milky Way, plus with bright red Mars at top. Above and left of the Moon is the blue Pleiades star cluster, while below it and to the left is the larger Hyades cluster with reddish Aldebaran in Taurus. The stars of Orion are left of centre, including reddish Betelgeuse, while at far left are the two Dog Stars: Procyon, at top, in Canis Minor, and Sirius, at bottom, in Canis Major.

A moonlit scene at Turret Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, with Sirius shining through the Arch, Procyon above the Arch, and above it at top centre, Jupiter, near the Beehive star cluster. The stars of Gemini are right of Jupiter. The rising waning gibbous Moon provides the illumination.

13899105 - A moonlit scene at Turret Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, with Sirius shining through the Arch, Procyon above the Arch, and above it at top centre, Jupiter, near the Beehive star cluster. The stars of Gemini are right of Jupiter. The rising waning gibbous Moon provides the illumination.

Comet Lovejoy, C/2014 Q2 amid the clusters, nebulas and dark dust clouds of Taurus and Perseus, on Friday, January 16, 2016. Its long blue ion tail stretches back at least 15°, almost to the open cluster NGC 1647 on Taurus at the left edge. At centre is the Pleiades star cluster, M45; at top right is the red California Nebula, NGC 1499, in Perseus, while the field is filled with the dark dusty lanes of the Taurus Dark Clouds. At left is the red giant star Aldebaran amid the V-shaped Hyades star cluster.

13899076 - Comet Lovejoy, C/2014 Q2 amid the clusters, nebulas and dark dust clouds of Taurus and Perseus, on Friday, January 16, 2016. Its long blue ion tail stretches back at least 15°, almost to the open cluster NGC 1647 on Taurus at the left edge. At centre is the Pleiades star cluster, M45; at top right is the red California Nebula, NGC 1499, in Perseus, while the field is filled with the dark dusty lanes of the Taurus Dark Clouds. At left is the red giant star Aldebaran amid the V-shaped Hyades star cluster.

A mosaic of the region in Cassiopeia and Cepheus containing the main nebulas: the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) at lower left, and the Cave Nebula (Sh 2-155) at upper right. At left is also the bright Messier open cluster M52. The small yellowish cluster at right is NGC 7419. The small cluster at lower centre is NGC 7510. The small nebula just left of centre is NGC 7538.

13898738 - A mosaic of the region in Cassiopeia and Cepheus containing the main nebulas: the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) at lower left, and the Cave Nebula (Sh 2-155) at upper right. At left is also the bright Messier open cluster M52. The small yellowish cluster at right is NGC 7419. The small cluster at lower centre is NGC 7510. The small nebula just left of centre is NGC 7538.

Venus above the Pleiades star cluster, M45, on April 4, 2020, in the twilight and moonlight. Light from the gibbous Moon illuminated the sky, so no long exposure would reveal much detail in and around the Pleiades. Venus passes close to the Pleiades only every 8 years. It was closer the night before, but alas, there were clouds! Some light cloud this night added the glow.

13898569 - Venus above the Pleiades star cluster, M45, on April 4, 2020, in the twilight and moonlight. Light from the gibbous Moon illuminated the sky, so no long exposure would reveal much detail in and around the Pleiades. Venus passes close to the Pleiades only every 8 years. It was closer the night before, but alas, there were clouds! Some light cloud this night added the glow.

The Geminid meteor shower of 2022, showing the radiant point in Gemini at left, above Castor and Pollux. Orion is at lower right. Mars in Taurus is at top, to the left of Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster. The M44 Beehive star cluster is in the lower left corner. Small star clusters in Gemini (M35) and Auriga (M36, M37, M38) are at top.

13898560 - The Geminid meteor shower of 2022, showing the radiant point in Gemini at left, above Castor and Pollux. Orion is at lower right. Mars in Taurus is at top, to the left of Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster. The M44 Beehive star cluster is in the lower left corner. Small star clusters in Gemini (M35) and Auriga (M36, M37, M38) are at top.

A framing of the Milky Way in Sagitta and Vulpecula below Cygnus. The stars of Sagitta the Arrow are at lower left. The distinctive asterism, the Coathanger, is at lower right embedded in the dark lanes of the Milky Way. It is also called Collinder 399 and Brocchi's Cluster. The green Dumbbell Nebula, M27, is just left of centre. The star Albireo is at top. Faint nebulosity inhabits the area, such as NGC 6820 left of the Coathanger, but as this was shot with an unmodified camera the red nebulas don't show up well here.

13898365 - A framing of the Milky Way in Sagitta and Vulpecula below Cygnus. The stars of Sagitta the Arrow are at lower left. The distinctive asterism, the Coathanger, is at lower right embedded in the dark lanes of the Milky Way. It is also called Collinder 399 and Brocchi's Cluster. The green Dumbbell Nebula, M27, is just left of centre. The star Albireo is at top. Faint nebulosity inhabits the area, such as NGC 6820 left of the Coathanger, but as this was shot with an unmodified camera the red nebulas don't show up well here.

The centre of the galaxy area of the Milky Way toward Sagittarius and Scorpius, with the Sagittarius Starcloud right of centre, and the Lagoon Nebula (M8) left of centre. The Cat's Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) in Scorpius is at upper right, the Swan Nebula (M17) and Eagle Nebula (M16) are at lower left. To the right of them is the Small Sagittarius Starcloud (M24). At the very top is the Snake Nebula (B72). The main mass of dark nebula is the Pipe Nebula (B78). Above M24 at left is the open cluster M23 while below the M24 star cloud is the cluster M25. The globular M22 is at the bottom edge. At right

13898332 - The centre of the galaxy area of the Milky Way toward Sagittarius and Scorpius, with the Sagittarius Starcloud right of centre, and the Lagoon Nebula (M8) left of centre. The Cat's Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) in Scorpius is at upper right, the Swan Nebula (M17) and Eagle Nebula (M16) are at lower left. To the right of them is the Small Sagittarius Starcloud (M24). At the very top is the Snake Nebula (B72). The main mass of dark nebula is the Pipe Nebula (B78). Above M24 at left is the open cluster M23 while below the M24 star cloud is the cluster M25. The globular M22 is at the bottom edge. At right

The northern autumn constellations of Pegasus (partially seen at right), Andromeda (across the centre), Perseus (at lower left) and Cassiopeia (at upper left) rising over moonlit formations at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. Illumination is from the waxing gibbous Moon, setting in the southwest so it is providing a warm "bronze-hour" light. The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is at centre. The star clusters NGC 752, M34 and the Double Cluster are at left, as well as the Perseus OB Association of stars. Some of the small star clusters in Cassiopeia are resolved as well.

13898171 - The northern autumn constellations of Pegasus (partially seen at right), Andromeda (across the centre), Perseus (at lower left) and Cassiopeia (at upper left) rising over moonlit formations at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. Illumination is from the waxing gibbous Moon, setting in the southwest so it is providing a warm "bronze-hour" light. The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is at centre. The star clusters NGC 752, M34 and the Double Cluster are at left, as well as the Perseus OB Association of stars. Some of the small star clusters in Cassiopeia are resolved as well.

13897527 - M45, the Pleiades star cluster, in a series of exposures to test stacking images with HDR techniques.

A telephoto closeup of a region of the Milky Way containing an odd assortment of targets: the small constellation of Sagitta the Arrow (at bottom) with the small cluster M71, the green Dumbbell Nebula, M27, in Vulpecula the Fox (at upper left), and the asterism known as the Coathanger (at right), also known as Brocchi’s Cluster.

13897508 - A telephoto closeup of a region of the Milky Way containing an odd assortment of targets: the small constellation of Sagitta the Arrow (at bottom) with the small cluster M71, the green Dumbbell Nebula, M27, in Vulpecula the Fox (at upper left), and the asterism known as the Coathanger (at right), also known as Brocchi’s Cluster.

13829485 - A cluster of Peaock Worms (Sabella Pavonina) with their feed heads in full splendour attached to discarded rope with phytoplankton rich green water in the background. The rope ascends to the surface. Loch Etive, Scotland.

13810380 - USA, California, San Luis Obispo County. Monarch butterflies in wintering cluster

Orion and the winter stars and constellations in a moonlit sky,on a chilly (-20°C) winter night on January 28,2023. Above Orion is Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster in Taurus. Below Orion is Sirius in Canis Major. The red giant Betelgeuse and the blue giant Rigel stand out nicely above and below the Belt. Light from the first quarter Moon off frame illuminates the landscape. This serves as a good illustration of how the Belt stars in Orion point up to Aldebaran and down to Sirius.

13999688 - Orion and the winter stars and constellations in a moonlit sky,on a chilly (-20°C) winter night on January 28,2023. Above Orion is Aldebaran and the Hyades star cluster in Taurus. Below Orion is Sirius in Canis Major. The red giant Betelgeuse and the blue giant Rigel stand out nicely above and below the Belt. Light from the first quarter Moon off frame illuminates the landscape. This serves as a good illustration of how the Belt stars in Orion point up to Aldebaran and down to Sirius.

The arcs and wisps of the Veil Nebula supernova remnant in Cygnus,framed with the open star cluster NGC 6940 in Vulpecula at lower right. The area is marked by a sharp transition between clear starry sky in the Millky Way and brownish-yellow areas obscured by interstellar dust with fewer stars visible. The nebula colours show up well despite this being a "stock" camera,with no filters employed.

13999660 - The arcs and wisps of the Veil Nebula supernova remnant in Cygnus,framed with the open star cluster NGC 6940 in Vulpecula at lower right. The area is marked by a sharp transition between clear starry sky in the Millky Way and brownish-yellow areas obscured by interstellar dust with fewer stars visible. The nebula colours show up well despite this being a "stock" camera,with no filters employed.

The aptly-named Coathanger Cluster,a more properly an asterism of stars in Vulpecula. A true star cluster,NGC 6802,lies at the left end of the coathanger arm. The field contains diffuse blue reflection nebulosity which appears to not have a catalogue number. The small round emission nebula at bottom is Sharpless 2-82. A very small round red nebula above the right end of the Coathanger is Sh2-83.

13999628 - The aptly-named Coathanger Cluster,a more properly an asterism of stars in Vulpecula. A true star cluster,NGC 6802,lies at the left end of the coathanger arm. The field contains diffuse blue reflection nebulosity which appears to not have a catalogue number. The small round emission nebula at bottom is Sharpless 2-82. A very small round red nebula above the right end of the Coathanger is Sh2-83.

13999304 - This is a framing of an array of emission nebulas in Cygnus: the bright North America Nebula (NGC 7000) at right,and to the right of it,the Pelican Nebula (IC 5067/8). Those bright nebulas are set amid a complex of fainter nebulosity,notably the Clamshell Nebula at left,as it has become known recently,and catalogued as Sharpless 2-119. At bottom right is the curving Cygnus Arc,aka IC 5068. The small star cluster NGC 7044,yellowed by interstellar dust,is below the Clamshell. The nebulas are marked by lots of structure and radial streaks,perhaps from magnetic fields.

The open star cluster NGC 1528,at left,accompanied by the emission nebula NGC 1491,at right,aka the Fossil Footprint Nebula,both in Perseus. The very red star below NGC 1528 is SY Persei. The faint nebula at centre is unidentified – the nebulas Sharpless 2-209 and Sharpless 2-206 are in the area but their positions on the TriAtlas do not coincide with the nebula recorded here. Nor is it marked on any other atlas I was able to check. But the TriAtlas might plot the Sharpless nebulas incorrectly. But photos on-line label this object as Sh2-209. The bright star at bottom right is Lambda Persei.

13999258 - The open star cluster NGC 1528,at left,accompanied by the emission nebula NGC 1491,at right,aka the Fossil Footprint Nebula,both in Perseus. The very red star below NGC 1528 is SY Persei. The faint nebula at centre is unidentified – the nebulas Sharpless 2-209 and Sharpless 2-206 are in the area but their positions on the TriAtlas do not coincide with the nebula recorded here. Nor is it marked on any other atlas I was able to check. But the TriAtlas might plot the Sharpless nebulas incorrectly. But photos on-line label this object as Sh2-209. The bright star at bottom right is Lambda Persei.

A widefield view of Orion's Belt and Sword showing the complex of nebulosity in the area. The three Belt stars are at top (L to R): Alnitak,Alnilam and Mintaka,with the dark Horsehead Nebula (B33) below Alnitak. Above Alnitak is the pinkish Flame Nebula,NGC 2024. At bottom are Messiers 42 and 43,making up the Orion Nebula,with the bluish Running Man Nebula above it,aka NGC 1973-5-7. Above it is the star cluster NGC 1981. Messier 78 is just on frame at upper left. Numerous other bits of emission and reflection nebulas populate the field amid a backdrop of faint emission nebulosity. The stars ar

13998672 - A widefield view of Orion's Belt and Sword showing the complex of nebulosity in the area. The three Belt stars are at top (L to R): Alnitak,Alnilam and Mintaka,with the dark Horsehead Nebula (B33) below Alnitak. Above Alnitak is the pinkish Flame Nebula,NGC 2024. At bottom are Messiers 42 and 43,making up the Orion Nebula,with the bluish Running Man Nebula above it,aka NGC 1973-5-7. Above it is the star cluster NGC 1981. Messier 78 is just on frame at upper left. Numerous other bits of emission and reflection nebulas populate the field amid a backdrop of faint emission nebulosity. The stars ar

The planets Venus (brightest at centre) and Mars (upper left of Venus) in the moonlit and twilight sky over the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini are above Venus. The star cluster Messier 44,the Beehive,in Cancer is to the left of Mars. This was May 27,2023,from the Sierra Cabins West property near Lundbreck,Alberta,shot during a workshop as part of the program for the Lightchasers Conference held in Pincher Creek,Alberta. Illumination is by moonlight and by a low-level lighting warm LED panel. The sky is blue with light from the waxing quarter Moon off

13998603 - The planets Venus (brightest at centre) and Mars (upper left of Venus) in the moonlit and twilight sky over the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini are above Venus. The star cluster Messier 44,the Beehive,in Cancer is to the left of Mars. This was May 27,2023,from the Sierra Cabins West property near Lundbreck,Alberta,shot during a workshop as part of the program for the Lightchasers Conference held in Pincher Creek,Alberta. Illumination is by moonlight and by a low-level lighting warm LED panel. The sky is blue with light from the waxing quarter Moon off

This is the rich star cluster nicknamed Caroline's Rose,or officially NGC 7789,in Cassiopeia. Caroline Herschel,sister of William Herschel,discovered it in 1783. In the eyepiece its stars do take on the appearance of nested rose petals. Subtle effects like that are always lost in photos of star clusters.

13998491 - This is the rich star cluster nicknamed Caroline's Rose,or officially NGC 7789,in Cassiopeia. Caroline Herschel,sister of William Herschel,discovered it in 1783. In the eyepiece its stars do take on the appearance of nested rose petals. Subtle effects like that are always lost in photos of star clusters.

The Coma Berenices star cluster,aka Melotte 111,in the constellation of Coma Berenices,here in a field of view wide enough (7.5° by 5°) to frame it with some of the surrounding galaxies,in particular the edge-on galaxy NGC 4565 at lower left and NGC 4559 at upper left. Several other fainter galaxies are in the field,some between 12th to 14th magnitude,such as the tiny quartet of Box Galaxies at the extreme upper right corner. Melotte 111 is one of the nearer star clusters,being only 288 light years away. The field is similar to that of binoculars.

13998316 - The Coma Berenices star cluster,aka Melotte 111,in the constellation of Coma Berenices,here in a field of view wide enough (7.5° by 5°) to frame it with some of the surrounding galaxies,in particular the edge-on galaxy NGC 4565 at lower left and NGC 4559 at upper left. Several other fainter galaxies are in the field,some between 12th to 14th magnitude,such as the tiny quartet of Box Galaxies at the extreme upper right corner. Melotte 111 is one of the nearer star clusters,being only 288 light years away. The field is similar to that of binoculars.