Glenn Chaple's
Sky Object of the Month

M74: Galaxy in Pisces

: By Glenn Chaple
Last month, we explored the galaxy M33, a notoriously difficult telescopic target due to its extremely low surface brightness. For the same reason, M74 is even more challenging; in fact, many consider it the most visually demanding of all the Messier objects.

M33: Galaxy in Triangulum

: By Glenn Chaple
Consider the spiral galaxy M33 in Triangulum. Listed as a 6th magnitude object, it’s notoriously difficult to view in telescopes. M33 is elusive because its light is spread over an area four times that of the full moon.

β Cygni (Albireo)

: By Glenn Chaple
I’m a big fan of “off-the-beaten-path” sky objects. One of my favorites is the little-known double star Struve 817 - the 817th double star catalogued by the German-born Russian astronomer F. G. W. Struve during a survey conducted between 1824 and 1827.

M56: Globular Cluster in Lyra

: By Glenn Chaple
In July, we looked at M92, a fine globular cluster in Hercules that’s overlooked in favor of the easier-to-find M13. The same misfortune has befallen another globular cluster - M56 in Lyra. M56 is often bypassed by backyard astronomers who favor the planetary nebula M57, conveniently positioned midway between the stars beta (β) and gamma (γ) Lyrae.

M92: Globular Cluster in Hercules

: By Glenn Chaple
Quick question. How many times (to the nearest thousand) have you viewed the great globular cluster M13 with your telescope? Next question. How many times (nearest thousandth) have you visited Hercules’ other great globular cluster M92? I doubt it would be an exaggeration to say that I’ve seen M92 once for every hundred times I’ve viewed M13.

A Selection of Double Stars in Cygnus

: By Glenn Chaple
Although it’s a Summer Triangle constellation, Cygnus remains well-seen throughout the autumn months. Located in the star-rich fields of the Milky Way, the Swan is home to numerous double stars. Here are eight of the most noteworthy (data from the Washington Double Star Catalog.

A Selection of Double Stars in Orion

: By Glenn Chaple
Of the one hundred double and multiple stars on the Astronomical League’s double stars list, nine are found in Orion.