Magazine | Page 8 of 281 | Astronomy.com

The blue reflection nebula M78 lies about 1,600 light-years away in Orion. It is a cloud of interstellar gas and dust that owes its luminosity to embedded, bright, blue, early B-type stars — making it the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in the Orion B molecular cloud complex.

Deep-Sky Objects

Deep-sky objects to target as a novice observer

Mars Rising, December 8, 2007

October 2024: What’s in the sky this month?

simulation of merging supermassive black holes

Why weren’t astronomers sure that supermassive black holes could merge?

Albireo (Beta [β] Cygni) is a classic example of a double star with contrasting colors.

Observing, Stars

What gives stars their colors?

The five members of the animal kingdom we observed during the April 2024 solar eclipse from Bee Cave, Texas, are shown clockwise from top left: northern cardinal, American robin, mosquito, cloudless sulphur butterfly, and a Mexican free-tailed bat. Images showing totality and the mosquito were taken on eclipse day.

2024 Solar Eclipse

Studying nature’s eclipse reactions

Lunar eclipse geometry

Science, The Moon

Why can we still see the Moon’s disk during a total lunar eclipse?

Autoguiding can take your astrophotography to the next level, as exemplified in this 6.5-hour exposure of the Trifid Nebula (M20). Here, the nebulosity stands out in all its glory among perfect, round stars. The author took this shot with a 10-inch f/3.8 Newtonian and Atik 16200 CCD.

Telescopes and Equipment

How to use an autoguider for the best astrophotos

How can a black hole pull light into itself if a photon is massless?

The Southern Ring Nebula (NGC 3132) was one of James Webb Space Telescope’s first targets after launching summer of 2022. Using the available data and processing software, anyone can create their own unique image.

Astrophotography

How to process JWST images like a pro

The majestic crown of the active Sun reveals itself with countless streamers, as imaged through high, thin clouds from Torreón, Mexico.

2024 Solar Eclipse, The Sun

A look back: The Great North American Eclipse delivers

NGC 253 in Sculptor

Astronomy for beginners, Observing

What do NGC numbers mean?

Telescopes and Equipment

Fall into new astronomy products this month