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# Deep Sky Section

Astronomy for everyone

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Supernova in M101](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2023/05/23/supernova-in-m101/) - Member David Davies took this image of the new supernova SN 2023 ixf within M101 in the constellation of Ursa Major:
- [Supernova in M82, Ursa Major](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2014/01/23/supernova-in-m82-ursa-major/) - A supernova has been discovered in M82, ( aka NGC 3034, aka Arp 337, sometimes called the cigar galaxy,) by Steve Fossey and his team of students (Ben Cooke, Tom Wright, Mathew Wilde, and Guy Pollock ). They were using a 350 mm SCT at the University of London, Mill Hill on 21.01.2014. Deep Sky
- [Remote Imaging and Telescope Hosting in Australia](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2018/01/24/remote-imaging-and-telescope-hosting-in-australia/) - From the end of January, Martin Pugh will be offering remote imaging, data subscription, and telescope hosting opportunities from his property in rural New South Wales, Australia. For further information go to Martin's website: https://www.martinpughastrophotography.space/remote-imaging-and-telescope-hosting

## Pages

- [Welcome to the Deep Sky Section](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/) - Studying the deep sky is the most rewarding area of astronomy. What we mean by deep sky is everything beyond our solar system, which includes double stars, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae. You don't need a telescope to study the deep sky, a pair of 10x50 binoculars is quite sufficient to view many objects but
- [Monthly section reports for 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2026/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026
- [June 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2026/) - As expected, June has been a lean month for this observing section, with a total of five images from two section members. Emma Bowron, equipped with a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope, imaged the Cocoon emission nebula IC 5146 and the Crescent emission nebula NGC 6888 both in the constellation of Cygnus, plus galaxies NGC
- [May 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2026/) - A quiet month for deep sky observers as daylight hours lengthen inexorably in the northern hemisphere. It is unsurprising that this month's only contributor resides in New Zealand, where the opposite is true. Larry Todd used a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope to capture five deep sky objects. Below are emission nebulae NGC 6188 (the
- [April 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2026/) - A busy month for deep sky section members, with seven contributors sending in a total of forty-four images. Emma Bowron supplied eight of these, using a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope. Below are galaxies M101 (the Pinwheel, also imaged by Richard Lewis), M109 and NGC 4088, plus the Owl planetary nebula M97 (John Fathers and
- [March 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2026/) - This month heralded the return of shorter nights with the spring equinix and the change to British Summer Time. Five section members sent in a total of twenty-one images: Emma Bowron used a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope to take eight images. The first three below are galaxies M81 and M82 (Bode's galaxy and the
- [February 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2026/) - This month, two section members sent in a total of fifteen deep sky images. Mark Beveridge used a Celestron C11 SCT with a 0.63x focal reducer and ZWO ASI 294 MC Pro colour camera to image galaxies M65 and M66 in the constellation of Leo, galaxy NGC 2648 in Cancer and galaxy NGC 3198 in
- [January 2026](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2026/) - Despite very few clear nights, seven section members were able to take a total of forty-three deep sky objects. Carl Bowron used a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope to image three galaxies, M31 and NGC 891 the Silver Sliver Galaxy both in the constellation of Andromeda and M33 the Pinwheel Galaxy in Triangulum: M33 is
- [Contact the Deep Sky Section](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/contact-the-deep-sky-section/) - In order to contact our section, please fill in the form below.
- [Monthly section reports for 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2025/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025
- [December 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2025/) - Four section members sent in a total of twenty - four images of deep sky objects this month. Steve Clifton produced an image of NGC 891 galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda using data from three telescope and camera combinations (a Skywatcher Esprit 150mm refractor plus a ZWO ASI 178 camera, the Esprit refractor plus
- [November 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2025/) - As should be expected in late autumn, section activity has increased despite the vagaries of UK weather. Four section members sent in a total of thirty images: Richard Lewis made observations with a Takahashi FSQ 106mm f5 refractor and ZWO ASI 2600 MC Pro colour camera and quadband filter. Below are the Veil Nebula supernova
- [October 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2025/) - This month, five section members sent in a total of twenty deep sky images. Stephen Clifton made his first contribution to the section with a panoramic two image composite of the NGC 2264 (Cone Nebula/Christmas tree cluster) and NGC 2244 (Rosette Nebula) regions of emission nebulosity in the constellation of Monoceros, using a 135mm refractor
- [September 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2025/) - A welcome return to longer nights - some clear skies too - gave three section members the chance to produce thirteen images of deep sky objects: Geoff Elston used a ZWO FF80 refractor and ZWO ASI 585 MC Pro colour camera to image M27 the Dumbbell planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula and globular
- [August 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2025/) - As we head towards autumn, section activity tends to increase. Three members have sent in images, a total of nineteen in all. Geoff Elston used a ZWO FF80 refractor and ZWO ASI 585 MC Pro colour camera to capture the Sword Handle open clusters NGC 884 and 869 in the constellation of Perseus, IC 63
- [July 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2025/) - A very quiet month for the section, in fact the only images sent in were taken by a member who lives in New Zealand! Larry Todd sent in images of objects using a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope, some of which are visible from the UK: Below are NGC 7293 the Helix planetary nebula in
- [June 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2025/) - As we pass the summer solstice, deep sky observers can look forward to the return of longer nights. Six images were received from one member: Geoff Elston useed his new combination of imaging equipment, a ZWO FF80 (FF standing for Flat Field) APO f7.5 refractor and ZWO ASI 585 MC Pro camera to image four
- [May 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2025/) - This month, three section members submitted a total of seven images. Paul Brierley sent in four images, the first two taken using a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope. They are NGC 4631 the Whale galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici and globular cluster M13 in Hercules (compare with Roger Howes' M13 image below): Paul
- [April 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2025/) - Spring always brings the opportunity to observe galaxies beyond our own. It is no surprise therefore that twenty-six of the twenty-nine images sent in by this month's five contributors are of galaxies. Alan Clitherow imaged Makarian's Chain, a curving line of galaxies in the constellation of Virgo, using a Skywatcher MN 190 Pro Maksutov-Newtonian telescope
- [March 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2025/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of twelve digital images. Richard Lewis, using a Takahashi FSQ 106mm f5 refractor and ZWO ASI 2600 MC-Duo color camera, captured this image of NGC 2244 the Rosette emission nebula and associated open cluster which lies in the constellation of Monoceros: The stars within the nebulosity
- [February 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2025/) - Another month of mostly unfavourable weather for deep sky observers. Despite these difficulties, four members were able to take a total of nineteen deep sky images: Steve Norrie sent in seven images, the first four taken with an Explore Scientific 127mm refractor and an Atik 490 EX MC colour camera plus a Svbony dual band
- [December 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2024/) - Another quiet month for the section, with two members sending in images. Steve Norrie imaged seven emision nebulae, the first being NGC 2244 the Rosette Nebula in the constellation of Monoceros, taken with a Williams Optics Redcat 71mm f4.9 refractor and Starlight Xpress Trius 694 mono camera plus narrow band filters to give the Hubble
- [October 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2024/) - This month, three section members sent in a total of twelve digital images: Paul Brierley imaged M27 the Dumbbell planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula with a Takahashi TSA-120 f7 APO triplet refractor and an Altair Astro Hypercam 26C colour camera: Paul also imaged two galaxies with a ZWO SeeStar S50 smart telescope, NGC
- [January 2025](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2025/) - There was a considerable increase in section activity this month, thirty-one deep sky images were taken by six members. Richard Lewis imaged NGC 1333 reflection nebula in the constellation of Perseus, M45 the Pleiades open cluster in Taurus (see also Alan Clitherow's image below) and spiral galaxy M31 in Andromeda with a Takahashi FSQ 106mm
- [Monthly section reports for 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2024-2/) - February 2024Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2024 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024
- [November 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2024/) - An unexpectedly quiet month, considering the time of year; it is certain that continued bad weather has reduced the opportunities for deep sky observation and imaging considerably. Steve Norrie was the only section member to submit images this month, taken with a variety of telescopes, camera and filters: With an Explore Scientific 127mm f7.5 refractor
- [September 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2024/) - Three section members have found some favourable breaks in the generally bad weather, sending in a total of nine deep sky images. Paul Brierley used a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to capture open cluster NGC 6866 in the constellation of Cygnus: Recent studies of six giant stars in the helium-core reacting phase of their
- [August 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2024/) - A return to longer hours of darkness, together with some clear sky periods has enabled three members to take ten images of deep sky objects. Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 72mm ED refractor and Altair Hypercam 183C Pro colour camera to image NGC 6888 the Crescent emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus, NGC 7635
- [July 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2024/) - Just one contributor to the section this month: Ian Papworth sent in 5 images, taken with a Skywatcher 72ED refractor and Altair Hypercam 183C Pro colour camera: Planetary nebula M27 in the constellation of Vulpecula, globular cluster M56 in Lyra, emission nebulae IC 5070 the Pelican nebula, IC 5146 the Cocoon nebula and supernova remnant
- [June 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2024/) - Just three images from one section member this month: John Fathers imaged The Wall region of NGC 7000 the North America emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus, using a Celestron Rasa 8 f2 200mm astrograph, ZWO ASI 294 MM pro mono camera plus narrow band filters to give the Hubble palette. Using the same
- [Deep Sky Downloads](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/deep-sky-downloads/) - Download the forms below to begin keeping accurate records of your observations. .pdf (Portable Document Format) Deep Sky observing form A standard deep sky observing form. Sketching the deep sky A simple guide showing how to sketch and record the deep sky. Questionnaire This is a simple questionnaire for any new member to the Deep
- [December 2013](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2013/) - Dale Holt sent in six drawings of deep sky objects to the section during the month: This drawing is of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 266 in Pisces, and is the first made with the Watec video camera at the prime focus of Dale's 20" f3.7 reflector, observed on 30.11.13. The tiny galaxy
- [May 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2024/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of six images of deep sky objects: David Davies captured a group of galaxies in the constellation of Leo, variously known as Copeland's Septet, Arp 320 and Hickson 57, using a 250mm Richey Chretien telescope and a ZWO ASI 071 MC Pro colour camera: The galaxy
- [April 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2024/) - This month seven section members sent in their observations. Fifteen images of deep sky objects in total are featured in the report: a number of galaxies were imaged more than once, inviting comparisons between different telescope and camera combinations: David Davies used a 250mm Richey Chretien f8 telescope and ZWO ASI 071 MC Pro
- [March 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2024/) - During the month, the last before British Summer Time began, three Deep Sky Section members submitted a total of fifteen digital images: Richard Lewis imaged the M42 emission nebula region in the constellation of Orion with a Takahashi FSQ 106mm refractor and ZWO ASI 294 MC Pro colour camera: The above image includes emission nebula
- [February 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2024/) - Despite clear skies being a rarity this month, two section members were able to send in eighteen images of deep sky objects: Mark Beveridge took images of galaxies M108 and NGC 2985, both in the constellation of Ursa Major, plus NGC 2146 (with NGC 2146A at the bottom right corner) in Camelopardalis, from Aberdeen with
- [January 2024](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2024/) - This month three section members were able to send in a total of fifteen images. Richard Lewis used a Dwarf 2 smart telescope, loaned by a neighbour who asked him to try it out, to image emission nebula M42 in the constellation of Orion and B33 the Horeshead dark nebula also in Orion: Richard also
- [June 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2023/) - The weeks just before and just after the summer solstice are generally a lean time for deep sky observers in the UK, so it is pleasing to post these observations by four section members who sent in four images and one drawing. Of particular interest is the supernova SN2023ixf in M101, shown in an image
- [December 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2023/) - This month, three section members submitted eleven deep sky images. Paul Brierley captured this image of M45 the Pleiades open cluster in the constellation of Taurus with a Williams Optics ZS 61mm refractor, ZWO ASI 294 MC camera and Optolong L-Pro light pollution broadband filter: The Pleiades contains hot, blue B type stars of around
- [Monthly section reports for 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2023/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023
- [November 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2023/) - Two section members sent in a total of twenty-one images. Mark Beveridge used a Celestron C11 SCT (with a focal reducer giving a focal ratio of f6.44) and a ZWO ASI 294 MC Pro colour camera to image a variety of deep sky objects. Below are galaxies NGC 2748 in the constellation of Camelopardalis, NGC
- [October 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2023/) - October brings longer nights and the end of British Summer Time, so generally there is an increase in deep sky section activity, but clear nights have been scarce lately. Three section members sent in a total of ten digital images. Mark Beveridge used a Celestron C11 SCT with a 0.63x focal reducer and ZWO ASI294
- [September 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2023/) - This month, three section members sent in a total of ten deep sky images. David Davies imaged NGC 6822 (Barnard's Galaxy) in the constellation of Sagittarius, using an APM 107mm refractor and ZWO ASI294 MC Pro colour camera: Barnards galaxy is part of the local group of galaxies which includes our milky way, M31 and
- [August 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2023/) - Another month with few opportunities to do any observational astronomy, indeed I received just five images from one section member: Steve Norrie used a medley of telescopes and cameras (a Celestron C8 SCT, a Redcat 51 and Redcat 71 plus Starlight Xpress Trius 694 mono camera with narrow band filters giving the Hubble palette, and
- [July 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2023/) - July is never a particularly productive month for deep sky enthusiasts, so when weeks of adverse weather are encountered it is understandable that very few observations are possible. Even so, three section members were able to take a deep sky image: Paul Brierley used a Celestron C 9.25 SCT at f6.3 and a ZWO ASI294
- [May 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2023/) - A relatively quiet month as might be expected - all members, especially those at higher latitudes, getting ever shorter hours of darkness as the month progressed. Even so, four section members produced five images and seven sketches. Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian telescope and Altair Astro 183C colour camera to image two globular
- [April 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2023/) - The section remained active during the month despite rapidly decreasing hours of darkness, especially for those in the North of these islands, with three members producing a total of twenty-one digital images. As might be expected in Spring there was a bias toward observing galaxies: Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian telescope and Altair
- [March 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2023/) - Inevitably, as daylight hours increase and British Summer Time begins, activity within the section diminishes somewhat, and bad weather has been an issue throughout. Nevertheless, three members have produced a total of thirteen images of deep sky objects this month: David Davies imaged galaxy NGC 4236 in the constellation of Draco with a 250mm Richey
- [February 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2023/) - Four section members sent in a total of fourteen digital images of deep sky objects this month. David Davies uesd a 10" Richey Chretien telescope and 0.7x focal reducer with a QSI 683 mono camera plus red, green and blue filters to image NGC 1514 the Crystal Ball planetary nebula in the constellation of Taurus:
- [January 2023](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2023/) - Six section members contributed to this month's total of thirty-two digital images. Alan Clitherow, SPA planetary section director, imaged NGC 7635 the Bubble emission nebula and IC 63 the Ghost emission/relection nebula, both in the constellation of Cassiopeia, using a Skywatcher 190P Maksutov-Newtonian telescope and ZWO ASI178 MM and QHY288 M mono cameras respectively. The
- [Monthly section reports for 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2022/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022
- [December 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2022/) - Five section members submitted a total of fourteen digital images. Richard Lewis imaged M31, the spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda which is the nearest large galaxy to Earth: M31 is visible to the naked eye, and was recognised as a galaxy separate from our own when Edwin Hubble studied M31's Cepheid variable stars
- [November 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2022/) - This month four section members produced twenty-seven digital images of deep sky objects: Richard Lewis, using a Takahashi FSQ 106mm refractor and ZWO ASI 294 MC Pro colour camera and Quadband filter, imaged NGC 7635 the Bubble emission nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia (with added RGB data) and IC 5146 the Cocoon reflection/emission nebula
- [October 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2022/) - This month saw six section members send in eighteen digital images. Paul Brierley used an Altair 115mm EDT refractor and a Canon 600D DSLR to image M27 the Dumbbell planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula: M27 may be seen using binoculars, and is readily observed with a small telescope: it has a magnitude of
- [September 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2022/) - The return of shorter days has given a boost to section activity: six members sent in twenty digital images and one drawing. Mark Beveridge imaged galaxy NGC 157 and the Skull planetary nebula NGC 246 which are both in the constellation of Cetus, also galaxy NGC 7640 in Andromeda: NGC 246 has an irregular outer
- [March 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2022/) - A spell of clear skies resulted in a burst of activity within the section, six members produced a total of thirty-five images. David Davies imaged galaxies M87 in the constellation of Virgo and M85 in Coma Berenices (with NGC 4394 to the left and IC 3292 to the right), globular cluster M68 in Hydra and
- [August 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2022/) - A welcome return, for deep sky observers, to longer hours of darkness resulted in six section members sending in twenty digital images and one drawing. Paul Brierley used a Williams Optics Z61 f5.9 refractor coupled with an astro-modified Canon EOS 6000 DSLR plus an Optolong L-eNhance filter to image the North America emission nebula in
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- [July 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2022/) - This month two of our members submitted a total of ten images of deep sky objects to the section. David Davies imaged four globular clusters, M4 in the constellation of Scorpius, M13 in Hercules, M19 in Ophiuchus and M28 in Sagittarius: M4 is the nearest globular cluster to the Earth at 5,600 light years, and
- [June 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2022/) - This month, inevitably a quiet time for deep sky observation as we pass the summer solstice, one of our members concentrated his efforts towards observing and sketching double stars. Steve Plenty sent in thirteen observation sheets, which are appended here in full. All of the relevant details are in the accompaying text: Dave Finnigan
- [May 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2022/) - Three section members contributed this month, a total of three digital images and a written report. David Davies imaged two galaxies, M61 and M58, which are both in the constellation of Virgo: M61 is considered to have a 5 million solar mass black hole at its centre, and is categorized as a starburst galaxy with
- [April 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2022/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of sixteen images: Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian reflector and an Altair Astro Hypercam 183C colour camera to capture M97 the Owl planetary nebula in the constellation of Ursa Major and M92 globular cluster in Hercules: M92 is an old, metal-poor cluster of mostly
- [February 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2022/) - Six section members made observations in between periods of very stormy weather. In total they sent in two sketches and thirteen digital images. Michael Kinns sketched open cluster M35 in the constellation of Gemini and the Leo triplet galaxies, M65, M66 and NGC 3628 observing with an Orion Optics SPX 200mm Newtonian reflector at a
- [January 2022](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2022/) - This month four section members sent in 24 digital images of deep sky objects. Richard Lewis took these images of emission/reflection nebula M42 and reflection nebula M78, both within the constellation of Orion with a Takahashi 106mm refractor and ZWO ASI 294 MC colour camera: M78 is a part of the Orion B molecular cloud
- [Monthly section reports for 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2021/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021
- [December 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2021/) - Once again, section members have noted the general lack of clear sky observing opportunities this month. Despite the poor weather, six members sent in sixteen digital images and one sketch of deep sky objects to the section. Richard Lewis imaged NGC 281 the Pacman emission nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia with a Takahashi FSQ
- [November 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2021/) - This month three deep sky section members sent in a total of sixteen digital images. David Davies imaged NGC 246 the Skull planetary nebula in the constellation of Cetus with his 200mm Richey Chretien telescope and QSI 683 mono camera plus red, green and blue filters: David found that by reprocessing his data the orange
- [October 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2021/) - As usual for this time of year there has been an increase in activity for the deep sky section, seven members contributing thirty-four observations, two of which are sketches. John Fathers spent a week at the Kelling Star Party early in October and initially used a 115mm APO refractor and ZWO ASI071 colour camera to
- [September 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2021/) - This month, three section members sent in a total of seventeen digital images. Mark Beveridge took nine of these with a Celestron C11 SCT at f6.44 and ZWO ASI 294 MC colour camera. Four are images of galaxies - M33 the Pinwheel galaxy in the constellation of Triangulum, NGC 488 in Pisces, NGC 6500 and
- [August 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2021/) - This month three section members sent in a total of thirteen digital images of deep sky objects: Mark Beveridge imaged galaxy M31 in the constellation of Andromeda, this cropped version has been processed to show the central core and nearby dust clouds: Next are images of globular cluster M15 in Pegasus (with three pairs of
- [July 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2021/) - Another lean month for deep sky section observers with one section member sending in three images: Ian Papworth imaged two emission nebulae; Westerhaut 5 the Soul nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia and IC 5146 the Cocoon nebula in Cygnus: Also known as Caldwell 19 and Sh 2-125, the cluster of stars within the nebulosity
- [June 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2021/) - There are no observations to report. Wishing everyone clearer skies for the second half of the year! Dave Finnigan
- [May 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2021/) - With very few clear nights in May and progressively longer hours of daylight I was gratified to receive observations from five section members: Brendan Shaw usually employs his 5" refractor for lunar and planetary observations; below is his written report of a foray into deep sky territory: Tue 2021 May 04 2203UT FS128 Moon :
- [April 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2021/) - April was a productive month for deep sky section members, seven of whom sent in a total of forty - one digital images and two sketches: Mark Beveridge submitted fourteen images of galaxies and one of a globular cluster. The first four are M61 in the constellation of Virgo, M88 in Coma Berenices, NGC's 3686
- [March 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2021/) - During March, five section members made a total of twenty observations: two sketches and eighteen digital images. Alan Clitherow, SPA planetary section director, targeted Barnard 33, the Horsehead nebula in the constellation of Orion: Alan used a Williams Optics 71mm refractor, a QHY 268 mono camera plus H alpha filter for this image, and was
- [February 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2021/) - The opportunities for deep sky observing were few during the month, so it is gratifying to report that seven section members, one of them new to the section, sent in a total of fourteen digital images. Paul Brierley imaged emission/reflection nebula M42 in the constellation of Orion with a Williams Optics Zenithstar 61mm APO refractor
- [January 2021](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2021/) - The new year has begun with six section members working around some very challenging weather conditions to produce twenty-six images of deep sky objects: Richard Lewis sent in three images; spiral galaxy M31 in the constellation of Andromeda, NGC 2174 the Monkey Head emission nebula in Orion and NGC 1499 the California emission nebula in
- [Monthly section reports for 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2020/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020
- [December 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2020/) - The midwinter month delivered few gaps in the cloud cover; happily five deep sky section members were able to take a total of twelve digital images. John Fathers imaged emission nebula NGC 1491 in the constellation of Perseus using a 115mm refractor, a ZWO 071 MC colour camera and a TriBand filter: NGC 1491, also
- [November 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2020/) - A relatively busy month for the section: nine members sent in thirty - four digital images and one drawing. Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian reflector and an Altair Hypercam 183c colour camera to image four open clusters and an emission nebula. The open clusters are M103 and NGC654 which are both in the
- [October 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2020/) - A relatively quiet month for the section as bad weather inevitably took its toll; despite the dearth of clear skies four section members were able to send in a total of twelve digital images of deep sky objects: Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian reflector and Altair Hypercam 183c colour camera to capture this
- [September 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2020/) - Autumn always brings a welcome increase in deep sky section activity, and seven section members contributed towards this month's total of twenty-six digital images. Ian Papworth captured two open clusters, M52 and NGC 659 and the Pacman emission nebula NGC 281, all in the constellation of Cassiopeia: NGC 281, also known as Sh2-184, contains open
- [August 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2020/) - Once again, it has been a challenging month with adverse weather conditions severely reducing opportunities for section members to make observations. Five of them were able to take a total of seven digital images: Richard Lewis took this image of the Ring planetary nebula in the constellation of Lyra with a Takahashi 106N refractor working
- [July 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2020/) - Another relatively quiet month for the deep sky section, with four section members sending in six digital images. David Davies imaged IC 1848 the Soul Nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia. David used an APM 107mm refractor and a QSI 683 mono camera. Combining data using red, green and blue filters and also narrow band
- [June 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2020/) - Short nights and unsettled weather combined to reduce this observing section to relative inactivity, but we have passed the summer solstice and will enjoy longer hours of darkness as the year progresses. David Davies sent in both of the images received this month, galaxies M88 in the constellation of Coma Berenices and NGC 3432 in
- [May 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2020/) - May delivered a bounty of clear, pollution free skies but of course the hours of astronomical darkness dwindled rapidly as the month progressed. Six section members did well to produce twenty-five digital images and a drawing. David Davies imaged two galaxies, NGC 2841 in the constellation of Ursa Major and M91 in Coma Berenices: M91
- [April 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2020/) - Clearly observational astronomy is relatively unaffected by social distancing. During April, eight section members sent in forty - one digital images of deep sky objects. Ian Papworth, using a Skywatcher 150P Newtonian reflector and an Altair Hypercam 183C pro colour camera from his location in Bedfordshire, imaged three globular clusters, and open cluster and a
- [March 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2020/) - An improvement in weather conditions brought an upturn in the number of observations received by the section; eight members sent in a total of twenty-nine digital images, four drawings and one visual report. Richard Lewis, observing from Suckley, used a Takahashi 106mm f5 refractor and ZWO ASI 294 colour camera to capture NGC2244 the Rosette
- [February 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2020/) - A month of challenging weather conditions across the UK, so fewer observations to report than might be expected for a winter month. Two section members sent in a total of six digital images. David Davies, based in Cambridge, turned his 8" Richey Chretien telescope towards galaxy UGC 3697, the Integral Sign galaxy, in the constellation
- [January 2020](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2020/) - Four section members produced seventeen digital images between them during this first month of the new decade, overcoming adverse conditions with high winds, poor seeing and high humidity with consequent heavy dew formation adding to the usual tribulations of the deep sky observer. Well done to all. Richard Lewis celebrated the new year with a
- [Monthly section reports for 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-section-reports-for-2019/) - Here are latest observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019
- [December 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2019/) - Three section members submitted their digital images of deep sky objects to the section this month, twenty in total: Ian Papworth used a Skywatcher 150p reflector and an Altair Hypercam 183C pro colour camera to capture globular cluster M15 in the constellation of Pegasus, galaxies M81, M82 and NGC 3077 in Ursa Major, and IC
- [November 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2019/) - Bad weather conditions across the UK meant limited opportunities for deep sky observations this month; despite this four section members were able to capture eighteen digital images: Ian Papworth sent in seven of those, below are two images of M35 and NGC 2158, open clusters in the constellation of Gemini, then emission/reflection nebula M42 in
- [October 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2019/) - A total of forty - two digital deep sky images were submitted to this section by six section members this month. David Davies imaged NGC 7000, the North America emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus and NGC 7789, an open cluster in Cassiopeia known as Caroline's Rose, after William Herschel's sister Caroline, who discovered
- [Double Stars](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/double-stars/)
- [Light Pollution Filters](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/light-pollution-filters/)
- [September 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2019/) - Another busy month for deep sky section, four members contributed thirty - two observations, all digital images. Ian Papworth sent in four images: two galaxies, NGC 891 in the constellation of Andromeda and M33, the Pinwheel galaxy, in Triangulum, NGC 457 the Owl or ET open cluster in Cassiopeia and globular cluster M15 in
- [August 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2019/) - The slow return of longer, darker nights heralded an increase in section activity: four members submitted twenty - six digital images in total. No sketches were received this month. Ian Papworth imaged a planetary nebula, an emission nebula, a galaxy and an open cluster. M27 is the Dumbbell planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula,
- [July 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2019/) - A short report this month as all five observations were submitted by one section member. Ian Papworth, based in Bedfordshire, sent in five digital images of deep sky objects. NGC 6888 is an emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. Also in Cygnus are NGC 6992, the Eastern Veil, a part of the Veil nebula
- [June 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2019/) - June is always a challenging month for deep sky observers, with hours of astronomical darkness in short supply for those in the South of the UK and pretty much non existent in the far North. Despite this, four section members have produced between them five digital images and one drawing. David Davies provided two of
- [May 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2019/) - This month, five members submitted thirteen observations of deep sky objects to this section; more than in April, despite the lengthening daylight hours. David Davies imaged two Messier catalogue galaxies, M108 in the constellation of Ursa Major and M98 in Coma Berenices (for which David also supplied an inverted version). David used an 8" Richey
- [April 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2019/) - A lean month for Deep Sky Section as cloudy skies shrouded the UK for much of the time. I received observations from three section members; a total of eight images in all. Geoff Elston, SPA Solar Section director, imaged three open clusters: M34 in the constellation of Perseus, M35 in Gemini and M37 in Auriga.
- [March 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2019/) - This month five members contributed their observations to this section. The final tally is thirty - one digital images and two drawings. Ian Papworth sent in seven digital images, using a Skywatcher 150P reflector and an Altair Hypercam 183c pro colour camera The three below are of galaxies which lie in the constellation of Leo:
- [February 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2019/) - Four section members contributed to this month's tally of deep sky observations: thirty - two images in total; over half of which are of galaxies. Paul Brierley used an Altair 115mm EDT refractor and an Atik 428EX camera to capture images of galaxy NGC 2903 in the constellation of Leo and emission nebula IC 405,
- [Observing reports in 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/observing-reports-in-2017/) - Here are observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members in 2017. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2017 February 2017 March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017 August 2017 September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017
- [Monthly reports for 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-reports-for-2018/) - Here are observations reported to the Deep Sky Section by members in 2018. They will be added on a monthly basis. January 2018 February 2018 March 2018 April 2018 May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018 December 2018
- [January 2019](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2019/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of twenty - four images of deep sky objects. Mark Beveridge used a Celestron 200mm Edge HD f10.4 SCT and an SXR- H814 mono camera plus red, green and blue filters to produce thirteen of these: nine of galaxies. First are galaxies NGC 1156, NGC 691
- [December 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2018/) - This month, two section members sent in a total of twenty - four digital images. Mark Beveridge submitted fifteen of these; eight galaxies, four emission nebulae, two reflection nebulae and a planetary nebula. Four of the galaxies are in the constellation of Cetus: NGC 1073, NGC 337, NGC 545 and IC 127. There are many
- [November 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2018/) - This month, five section members sent in a total of twenty digital images and two sketches. Steve Norrie used a Celestron C9.25 SCT and StarlightXpress Trius 694 camera plus red, green and blue filters (and narrow band filters for the Hubble palette) to produce twelve deep sky images. In the constellation of Perseus Steve imaged
- [October 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2018/) - Section member Mark Beveridge sent in all of the submissions to the section this month, a total of fifteen digital images. Ten of these were of galaxies or pairs of galaxies; the first three images below can all be found in the constellation of Pegasus: NGC 7479 is a barred spiral starburst galaxy,
- [Deep Sky Director - introducing David Finnigan](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/deep-sky-director-introducing-david-finnigan/) - My interest in astronomy (and space travel ! ) all began around 1957, when I was seven years old. I was an avid follower of Journey into Space on the radio, then the Russians launched Sputnik. Soon after I was allowed to watch a new TV programme “The Sky at Night”, which led me to
- [September 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2018/) - As the longer, darker Autumn nights arrived, deep sky section activity began to increase as expected. Five section members sent in their observations; nineteen digital images and two sketches in total. Michael Kinns produced the two sketches: globular cluster M15 in the constellation of Pegasus and open cluster NGC 663 in Cassiopeia, using a 200mm
- [August 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2018/) - August sees the return of longer, dark nights; especially to the UK's northern latitudes. The section's activity tends to increases from now on. David Davies imaged globular cluster M71, which may be found in the constellation of Sagitta; a small constellation between Cygnus and Aquila. M71 lacks a dense core and was long thought to
- [July 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2018/) - Always a quiet month for this observing section, I received a digital image from each of two section members. Aaron Mead, a new section member, imaged spiral galaxy M31 in the constellation of Andromeda. Aaron used a Nikon 800E DSLR and a 200mm telephoto lens on an Astrotrac guided mount from a location in Bodmin
- [June 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2018/) - This is the quietest month for deep sky astronomy; the days either side of the Summer solstice are long and truly dark nights are a distant memory, especially for those living in the North of the British Isles. Nevertheless two section members sent in their images; a total of four in all. David Davies of
- [May 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2018/) - This month, four section members sent in eight images of deep sky objects; three of these images are of galaxies, as might be expected in Spring, when the view out of the plane of our galaxy is favourable. David Davies of Cambridge used data from two telescopes (a Richey Chretien 8" and an APM 107mm
- [April 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2018/) - Four section members, one new to Deep Sky Section, sent in a total of twenty - one digital images this month. David Davies concentrated his attention on four open clusters, all of which are Messier objects. M46 is located in the constellation of Puppis. Planetary nebula NGC 2438 (above and left of centre) appears to
- [March 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2018/) - Four members sent observations to deep sky section this month, all were digital images, twenty - one in total. Geoff Elston, SPA solar section director, used an 80mm Vixen refractor and Canon D550 DSLR camera to capture four of these. NGC 869 and 884 are the well - known open pair of open clusters in
- [February 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2018/) - Four section members sent in thirty-three images of deep sky objects during February. Mark Beveridge sent in twenty-five of these; in the constellation of Orion Mark captured emission nebula NGC 2174 and two reflection nebulae: NGC 1977, the Running Man nebula, and M78 aka NGC 2068. In Ursa Major, Mark imaged galaxies NGC 2805, M101
- [January 2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2018/) - This month's report is quite simple: twenty-two images in total were sent in by two section members. Mark Beveridge, observing from Thainstone near Inverurie, produced fifteen of these, using a new 200mm Edge f 10.4 HD SC T and a SXR-814 mono camera plus red green and blue filters. Mark imaged two galaxies in the
- [2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2014-2/) - Select a month from the submenu to view observations made during that period.
- [2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2015-2/) - Select a month from the submenu to view observations made during that period.
- [2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2016-2/) - Select a month from the submenu to view observations made during that period.
- [2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2017-2/) - Select a month from the submenu to view observations made during that period.
- [2018](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2018-2/) - Select a month from the submenu to view observations made during that period.
- [December 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2017/) - This month, four section members produced fourteen images of deep sky objects in total. David Davies of Cambridge used an 8" Richey Chretien telescope and a QSI 583 mono camera plus red green and blue filters to produce this image of open cluster NGC 457, which lies in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Also known as
- [Deep Sky FAQs](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/deep-sky-faqs/) - Optical Equipment You don't actually need an telescope to get started in deep sky astronomy – a pair of 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars are a very good starting point and best of all most people will probably already own a pair! To decide whether a pair of binoculars are suitable for astronomy the exit pupil
- [November 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2017/) - The total number of observations received from four deep sky section members during November was eighteen; sixteen digital images and two sketches. David Davies, imaging from Cambridge, used an APM 107mm f 6.5 refractor and a QSI 583 mono camera plus red, green and blue filters to capture M33, the Pinwheel spiral galaxy in the constellation
- [October 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2017/) - This month, four section members produced a total of twenty images. David Davies imaged Collinder 399, an asterism of ten stars of between magnitude 5 and 7 which lies in the constellation of Vulpecula. This asterism was recorded in the 10th century by the Persian astronomer Al Sufi, and is also known as Brocchi's cluster and for
- [September 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2017/) - Another relatively quiet month for deep sky observers; three section members submitted seven images in total. Alan Clitherow, SPA Planetary section director, observing from Fife, imaged emission nebula IC 1396 in the constellation of Cepheus using a Williams Optics 66mm refractor and Canon 600D astro modified DSLR. At the 3 o'clock position in this image is
- [August 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2017/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of 8 images and 2 sketches of deep sky objects. David Davies of Cambridge imaged M11, the Wild Duck open cluster, in the constellation of Scutum. This is an aggregation of around 3,000 stars, all about 250 million years old, at an estimated distance of 6,200 light years
- [July 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2017/) - Just one contributor to the section this month! Mike Hezzlewood already submits drawings to both the SPA lunar and planetary sections. He joined this section at the start of July and observed two planetary nebulae; M27 the Dumbbell nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula and M57 the Ring nebula in Lyra. Mike used a Takahashi FC
- [June 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/2241-2/) - As ever, at this time of year, observations of Deep Sky objects are relatively few. Two section members sent in eight images in total. David Davies of Cambridge imaged a pair of globular clusters, M53 and NGC 5053; these are to be found around one degree apart in the constellation of Coma Berenices. They look quite different:
- [May 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2017/) - I received two images and two sketches this month, from three section members. Paul Brierley of Macclesfield imaged globular cluster M3 in the constellation of Canes Venatici using an Altair Astro 115mm EDT refractor and Canon 1000D DSLR. M3 has been studied by professional astronomers for over a century. In 1913 American astronomer S.I Bailey
- [April 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2017/) - A combination of poor weather and lighter evenings has taken its toll this month, with just two section members sending in four images. David Davies of Cambridge used an APM 107mm APO refractor plus QSI 583 camera and filters to capture the first image, of the Leo Triplet (galaxies M65, M66 and NGC 3628). This
- [March 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2017/) - Weather conditions slowly improved during March; a spell of clear nights in the latter part of the month resulted in a flood of reports: grand total of two drawings and thirty six images from five section members. David Davies of Cambridge sent in three images. The first is NGC 1977, a reflection nebula in
- [February 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2017/) - Despite the prevalence of cloudy skies (and worse!) over the UK for most of the month, five section members sent in a total of seventeen images and I thank them all for their perseverance, producing the impressive results showcased below. Mark Beveridge submitted two images of galaxies, in fact two galaxy pairings to be exact.
- [January 2017](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2017/) - This month I received thirty four observations from five members (one new to deep sky section); three sketches and thirty one images in total. This number would have been much lower had new member Paul Crossland not included images he made earlier in 2016 - generally clear skies were the exception for all parts of
- [December 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2016/) - During December, four section members were able to observe deep sky objects, producing three sketches and twenty three images. Michael Kinns, observing from Eastry, used an Orion 200mm f6 Newtonian reflector to make the three sketches. all of open clusters. NGC 654 is in the constellation of Cassiopeia, viewed at a magnification of 150x. NGC
- [November 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2016/) - This month, five deep sky observers (one of them new to the section) sent in a total of 42 images. Four of these section members live in Scotland, which speaks volumes about the weather conditions prevailing in the rest of the UK lately. Alan Clitherow, SPA planetary section director, had clear skies in early November
- [October 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2016/) - Six section members submitted their observations this month, in total twenty five digital images. Mark Beveridge of Aberdeen sent in seven of these. Here is M2, a globular cluster in the constellation of Aquarius then M27 the "dumbbell" planetary nebula in Vulpecula, NGC 6781 planetary nebula in Aquarius and NGC 7009, also a planetary nebula
- [September 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2016/) - As you might expect, there was an increase in section activity in September, as weather conditions slowly improved and nights became longer. Four members sent in between them fifteen images and two drawings of deep sky objects. Steve Norrie, observing from Fife, produced thirteen of the fifteen images. NGC 7635 is the Bubble emission nebula
- [August 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2016/) - A quiet month, with just one section member contributing four images. I was able to take deep sky images over two evenings however, increasing the total to ten. Ian Papworth took images of three planetary nebulae and a globular cluster. First is M76, the Little Dumbbell planetary nebula in the constellation of Perseus. Next is
- [June 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2016/) - This month, despite a shortage of clear skies and few hours of true darkness, four section members sent in 14 observations: 12 images and 2 sketches. Ian Papworth, SPA membership secretary, sent 3 images of globular clusters: they are NGC 5466, in the constellation of Bootes, M13 in Hercules and M56 in Lyra. NGC 5466,
- [July 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2016/) - Three section members sent in five images this month, all credit to them; apart from the lack of hours of astronomical darkness, bad weather has limited the opportunities for making observations. David Davies, imaging from Cambridge, sent in this very detailed image of the ''triffid'' emission nebula, M20, in the constellation of Sagittarius. David used
- [May 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2016/) - Two section members overcame the difficulties of bad weather conditions and ever shorter nights to produce the 10 images reproduced below. Ian Papworth, SPA membership secretary, sent in 9 of the 10 received; the first four are M97, the Owl planetary nebula in the constellation of Ursa Major; M65, a spiral galaxy in Leo;
- [April 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2016/) - The poor weather conditions during April defeated most of the section's regular contributors; there are just 5 images to showcase in this report, all from Ian Papworth. Ian's first image is of the "sombrero" galaxy M104 in the constellation of Virgo. It is noted for a large, bright central core and a lane of dust,
- [March 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2016/) - Four section members sent in sketches and images of deep sky objects during March, 16 reports in total: 11 images and 5 sketches. Dale Holt drew 2 galaxies, a galaxy pair and 2 planetary nebulae. First is M104 (the "sombrero" galaxy) in the constellation of Virgo. NGC 4027 (also known as Arp 22), NGC 4361,
- [February 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2016/) - This month, six Deep Sky section members sent in their observations; 15 drawings and 19 images in total. David Davies made this wide angle image which highlights a number of deep sky objects in the constellation of Auriga. Towards top centre is the open cluster M38, below it is a smaller open cluster NGC 1907.
- [February 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2015/) - Seven section members sent in a total of 33 observations this month; 8 drawings and 25 images. Steve Norrie of Fife contributed three images: the first is M1, the Crab nebula, a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus. Chinese astronomers witnessed this supernova in 1054 AD. The second image is spiral galaxy NGC
- [January 2016](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2016/) - A good start to the new year, with six section members sending in their observations; twelve images and twenty drawings in all. Ian Papworth, SPA membership secretary and council member, imaged NGC 2392, the Eskimo planetary nebula, which is in the constellation of Gemini, from Bedfordshire using a Celestron Nexstar 6SE f6.3 SCT and
- [December 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2015/) - This month most of the observations sent to the Deep Sky Section were from members located in Scotland (as were all of the observations in November 2015 as it happens - an indication of the dearth of clear skies in the rest of the UK this winter so far.) Steve Norrie, observing from Fife, sent
- [November 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2015/) - During November, two section members submitted their observations. Mark Beveridge, from Aberdeen, used an Orion Optics OMC 140mm f14 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope and a Starlight Xpress SXVR-H814 mono camera and RGB filters to capture all of the images below. (*there is one exception where a one-shot colour camera was used). Due to technical problems, the telescope
- [October 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2015/) - This month, five section members sent in a total of 2 drawings and 22 images. Graham Taylor used the Bradford Robotic Telescope on Mount Teide, Tenerife, (a Celestron C14 plus a FLI Microline camera and filters) to image NGC 6946, the "fireworks" galaxy on the Cepheus - Cygnus border. This galaxy, also known as Caldwell
- [September 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2015/) - A busy month for Deep Sky Section; 7 members sent in their drawings and images, 28 observations in total. David Davies, using an ED 120 refractor and a QSI 583 camera plus a Lodestar off axis guider to capture deep images of M27, the "dumbbell" planetary nebula in Vulpecula and NGC 7023 in Cepheus; the
- [August 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2015/) - A busier month for Deep Sky section, with more hours of astronomical darkness prompting five section members to send in their observations. Dale Holt made five drawings. NGC 6327 (slightly left and below centre) plus NGC6 329 upper right) and a third faint galaxy (far left). NGC6327 is magnitude 15 and is in the constellation
- [July 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2015/) - This month, two section members submitted a total of four images. David Davies imaged M5, a globular cluster in the constellation of Serpens Caput. M5 is close to the star 5 Serpentis, a magnitude 5 star, also in this image. M5 is magnitude +5.7 (fainter according to some sources) and is definitely non
- [June 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2015/) - A short report this month; one section member sent in three images. Ian Papworth imaged NGC6960, the "Witches Broom" part of the Veil supernova remnant in the constellation of Cygnus. The whole remnant has expanded over the past 5000 -8000 years since the supernova took place to appear about 3 degrees in angular diameter;
- [May 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2015/) - During May, four section members sent in a total of 6 drawings and 5 images of deep sky objects. Mark Beveridge, observing from Aberdeen, imaged 3 galaxies using a 100mm f9 Skywatcher telescope and a SXR-H814 camera, plus an OAG filter wheel. Two of these galaxies are in the constellation of Draco; NGC 5907 and
- [April 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2015/) - Five section members sent in 9 images and 5 drawings during April. Alan Clitherow, Planetary Section Director, took this image of M86 with his MN 190P telescope and QHY100SC camera. Alan was experimenting with an off axis guider and this image is the result of stacking around 5 six minute exposures. M86 is an eliptical
- [March 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2015/) - This month, four section members sent in a total of 9 observations comprising 3 drawings and 6 images. Mike Wood, observing from Debenham, used his 180mm Takahashi Mewlon Dall - Kirkham reflector to observe and draw open cluster M47, which is in the constellation of Puppis. At about 1600 light years from Earth, there are
- [Monthly reports](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/monthly-reports/) - Choose a month in the drop-down menu to see a report.
- [April 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/april-2014/) - This month, member Mark Beveridge, who lives in Aberdeen, sent in a CD containing 35 superb deep sky images, taken between the 8th of September 2013 and the 20th of March 2014. With the exception of the last date, all of the images were taken via an 80mm Skywatcher f7.5 refractor. The two images from
- [January 2015](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2015/) - During the month, four section members submitted their observations; a total of 16 images and13 drawings. Mark Beveridge of Aberdeen sent in all 16 of the images. The first six were taken using a 140mm f14.3 OMC Maksutov telescope on an HEQ5 mount, and a SXR-H814 camera plus RGB filters. Here is M82, an edge
- [November 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/november-2014/) - This reporting period began with Michael Kinns sending in two drawings of observations he made using his 200mm f6 Newtonian telescope. NGC 7142, and NGC 7510 are both open clusters in the constellation of Cepheus. Michael used a magnification of 67x for NGC 7142, which is near to the reflection nebula NGC 7129; studies have
- [October 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/october-2014/) - This month, Dale Holt sent in three sketches. The first is of Abell 70, a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquila. This PN is between 13,500 and 17,500 light years away from the Earth. The central star is actually a binary, one component being a white dwarf, the other a barium star, which is
- [September 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/september-2014/) - Dale Holt sent in this drawing of NGC 6426, a globular cluster in the constellation of Ophiucus, home to many globulars much brighter than this one - described as one of the most metal - poor globulars in our Galaxy's halo. It is magnitude 10.9, and its distance from our sun is given as about
- [August 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/august-2014/) - During August, Steve Norrie sent in three images. Steve made his observations from Fife, Scotland, using a Skywatcher EDR80 refractor and a Canon 1100D DSLR, modified for atronomical use. The Pelican Nebula, also known as IC 5070, can be found in the constellation of Cygnus, near to first magnitude star Deneb. It is separated from
- [July 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/july-2014/) - This month, I have only my own observations to report! On 21st July I imaged globular clusters M22 in Sagittarius and NGC6712 in Scutum. M22 is one of the closest globular clusters to Earth at a distance of about 10,000 light years and is about 70 light years across. NGC 6712 is over twice
- [June 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/june-2014/) - Michael Kinns sent in two drawings this month, both of globular clusters. M12 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Ophiucus. Michael reports that the extent of the stellar halo was only apparent after full dark adaptation at 22.30 UT. The faintest star recorded is magnitude 13. Michael uses a 200mm f6 Newtonian telescope,
- [May 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/may-2014/) - Three section members have sent in their observations this month, drawings from regular contributors Dale Holt and Michael Kinns and a DSLR image from new member James Dawson. Dale's drawing is of edge-on galaxy NGC 5529 in the constellation of Bootes. This galaxy is about 6.2' x 0.8' in angular size, and is magnitude 12.2.
- [March 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/march-2014/) - Michael Kinns, observing with his 8'' f6 Orion Optics SPX200 Newtonian reflector, sent in four drawings this month. The first, NGC2683, is an edge - on spiral galaxy in the constellation Lynx. On this occasion, stars as faint as magnitude 13.3 were seen. NGC2683 is magnitude 9.6, angular dimensions 9.3' x 2.2', and is
- [February 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/february-2014/) - Ron Sontag, of Stanwood, Washinton State, USA, emailed the following description of the supernova in M82, which he observed using a 6" dobsonian reflector: Sky Condition: Dark, clear, but with light interference from street lamps. Some high-altitude cirrus drifting by. Telescope: 6" Newtonian Reflector, low power eye-piece, Dobsonian Mount, no tracking. Observation: Spotted M81 and
- [January 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/january-2014/) - Section Members Dale Holt and Alan Clitherow submitted 7 drawings and 2 images respectively during the month. This drawing of M77 was submitted by Dale on 6.01.1, from an observing session on 30.12.13. (Dale uses a 20" Newtonian telescope, and draws what he sees on his Watec video camera screen.) It shows M77, an active
- [Duplicate test for December](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/duplicate-test-for-december/) - This month, four section members produced fourteen images of deep sky objects in total. David Davies of Cambridge used an 8" Richey Chretien telescope and a QSI 583 mono camera plus red green and blue filters to produce this image of open cluster NGC 457, which lies in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Also known as
- [December 2014](https://www.popastro.com/deepsky/december-2014/) - This has been a productive month for the Section with 6 members contributing a total of 6 drawings and 37 images. Michael Kinns made drawings of two open clusters in the constellation of Andromeda, NGC 7686 and NGC 956. Mark used a 200mm f6 Newtonian telescope at 100x and 67x respectively. Mark Beveridge sent
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