NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

The season of spring galaxies is upon us, with plenty of night-sky gems

If you’ve observed all of the events this month has to offer, or you’re in between astronomical events, why not take a tour of April’s star patterns? The constellations of Hydra I (the Water Snake), Leo (the Lion) and Ursa Major (the Great Bear) contain a fascinating selection of Messier objects, including a large number of spiral and irregular galaxies. Ursa Major’s famous planetary nebula, known as the Owl Nebula (Messier 97), is particularly easy to observe for those with a telescope and a selection of filters. With sunset not occurring until around 20:00, observers will need to be patient in waiting for the twilight to fade. When the skies have darkened, the wait will be worth it as spring’s offering of planets, dwarf planets, star clusters and nebulae come into view.

NGC 2403

Using the sky chart

This chart is for use at 22:00 mid-month and is set for 52 degrees latitude.

1 Hold the chart above your head with the bottom of the page in front of you.

2 Face south and notice that north on the chart is behind you.

3 The constellations on the chart should now match

MAGNITUDES MAGNITUDES SPECTRAL TYPES SPECTRAL TYPES what you see in the sky.

Abell 33