Constellation Report

Constellation Report

This weekend we move on to the constellation Cygnus the Swan.Cygnus is one of the dominant constellations in northern summers. It's alpha star Deneb is part of The Summer Triangle of Vega, Altair and Deneb.

Deep Sky Report

The focus of our efforts this week will be the deep sky objects of Cygnus. To find Cygnus, face east after dark and look up. Cygnus is two constellations to the east of Hercules which we covered a couple of weeks ago. We've hopped over Lyra, which we'll visit shortly. Cygnus has a cross-like shape... or swan-like... if you're creative.
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Double Star Albireo as imaged by Anthony Arrigo of Utah Skies

Let's start things off with one of the most beautiful double stars in the heavens, Albireo (mag3.0). This a such a neat star to look at. They color contrast is beautiful. This is also a fairly easy pair to split. Located in the "beak" of the Swan, it's also quite easy to find. Check it out if you get a chance.

I took this shot in March of 2003 using a 10" f/4.5 reflector on a Losmandy G-11 mount.

Next up is Open Star Cluster, M29(mag6.75)

Next up is another Open Star Cluster, M39(mag4.75)

Next up is Planetary Nebula, NGC6826(mag10). Also known as The Blinking Nebula.

Diffuse Nebula NGC6888 as imaged by Robert Gendler

Next up is Diffuse Nebula, NGC6888. Also known as the Crescent Nebula due to its visual appearance, this is a beautiful object. You'll definitely want to try out some nebula filters on this one.

This awesome shot was taken by Robert Gendler. Robert you may recall is a former Utah Skies Astrophotographer of the Month.

The Veil Nebula as imaged by Jerry Lodriguss

Next, lets visit a three part object, NGC6960, NGC6992, NGC6995. Also known as The Veil Nebula, this is one of my favorite deep sky objects. Virtually invisible without a nebula filter, this object is simply spectacular when viewed using an OIII filter.

Checkout this absolutely stunning shot by Jerry Lodriguss. The Veil spans several degrees of sky. Many telescopes will not be able to view the entire object... even at lowest power.

Next up is Bright Nebula, NGC6992. Also known as The Veil Nebula. This incredible shot was taken by former Astrophotographer of the Month, Al Kelly. Al is one of my favorite astrophotographers. He always seems to be pushing the envelope. This shot was taken with a Starlight Express MX916 and a 17.5" f4.5 Newtonian.

The North American Nebula as imaged by Russ Dickman

Continuing, we come to another beautiful object, NGC7000, The North American Nebula. This is one really big object... spanning over 2° this object doesn't even fit in the low power view of many telescopes. To view the whole thing, you'll either need binoculars or a rich field refractor..

Checkout this awesome shot by Russ Dickman.

The Cocoon Nebula as imaged by Mark de Regt

Let's wrap things up with this weeks Utah Skies Challenge Object, a beautiful Cluster loaded with Nebulosity, IC5146(mag7.25). Also known as the Cocoon Nebula, this is one cool object to observe. It's easily visible and shows some nice detail. Nebula filters help, but aren't required.

Checkout this awesome shot by Mark de Regt. Click here to view more of Mark's Astronomical Images. Mark is also a former Utah Skies Astrophotographer of the Month.