Old favourites
As well as new targets, it’s always good to go back to the classics. Here are some autumn and winter night-sky stalwarts
THE ORION NEBULA is one of the easiest nebulae to observe and is great to photograph.
THE PLEIADES is a stunning open star cluster surrounded by bluish-white gas and dust.
THE GEMINID METEOR SHOWER peaks on 13/14 December, with no Moon to interfere in 2020.
THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY is an easy target for binoculars and small telescopes.
THE TRIANGULUM GALAXY is about 15° below the Andromeda Galaxy and well worth seeking out.
THE BEEHIVE CLUSTER is a gorgeous large and colourful star cluster located in Cancer.
THE DOUBLE CLUSTER between Perseus and Cassiopeia is fantastic for binoculars and small telescopes.
BETELGEUSE is a red giant star on Orion’s left shoulder. Compare its colour with blue giant Rigel on Orion’s lower right.