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The Head of Hydra, open cluster NGC 1981, and reflection nebula NGC 1999

The Head of Hydra, open cluster NGC 1981, and reflection nebula NGC 1999

March 7–14, 2013: The Head of Hydra is an excellent target for naked-eye observers, open cluster NGC 1981 in Orion offers small-telescope owners nice views, and large-telescope owners can seek out reflection nebula NGC 1999, also in Orion.

By Michael E. Bakich | Published: Thursday, March 7, 2013

The Head of Hydra is an asterism that marks the westernmost part of the sky's largest constellation, Hydra the Water Snake. // Astronomy: Roen Kelly

Each week, Astronomy magazine Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich, a master at explaining how to observe, posts a podcast about three or more objects or events you can see in the sky.

Targets for March 7–14, 2013
Naked eye: The Head of Hydra
Small telescope: Open cluster NGC 1981
Large telescope: Reflection nebula NGC 1999