Best objects to view tonight

The Orion Nebula (Messier 42)

Where to find it: Orion

This emission-reflection nebula is one of the brightest nebulae in the sky, and can even be visible to the naked eye under dark skies with no light pollution or bright moonlight. You can find the nebula halfway down Orion’s sword, appearing as a hazylooking star.

The Pleiades (Messier 45)

Where to find it: Taurus

Also known as the ‘Seven Sisters’, this open star closer consists of more than 800 stars. To find the Pleiades, follow the three stars in Orion’s Belt and follow them upwards past his bow. The first bright star is Aldebaran, and the cluster is located a little further along.

Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31)

Where to find it: Andromeda

Located a ‘mere’ 2.5 million light years away is the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way. Andromeda can be spotted by first finding the constellation of Cassiopeia. Locate its brightest star, Schedar, which will appear to point to the Andromeda Galaxy.

Great Globular Cluster (Messier 13)

Where to find it: Hercules

This globular star cluster contains over 100,000 stars and is one of the brightest star clusters visible in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a favourite object of many. M13 can be found in the constellation Hercules between two bright stars, Vega and Arcturus.

The Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)

Where to find it: Monoceros

Named for its shape, this beautiful emission nebula is about 130 light years across. To find this target in the night sky, first look to the left of Orion, the Hunter. You can find the Rosette Nebula high in the sky and close to the bright star Betelgeuse, a red supergiant.