Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Helix Nebula

Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Helix Nebula

One of your nighttime sky targets for the next month or so should be the Helix Nebula in the constellation Aquarius the Water-bearer. Some observers call it the Sunflower Nebula, but you won’t hear that much anymore. And ever since the Lord of the Rings movies became popular, it’s gotten the moniker “The Eye of Sauron.” In catalogs, it’s Continue reading "Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Helix Nebula" The post Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Helix Nebula appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

Nov. 28, 1659: Huygens draws Mars

Nov. 28, 1659: Huygens draws Mars

In the fall of 1659, Christiaan Huygens observed the opposition of Mars, drawing what he saw. The result was the first drawings of the recognizable surface features of the Red Planet – an achievement that wouldn’t have been possible without the advances in telescope manufacturing that Huygens himself had undertaken. One drawing of Syrtis Major Continue reading "Nov. 28, 1659: Huygens draws Mars" The post Nov. 28, 1659: Huygens draws Mars appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .