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Deep-Sky Target Planner

Full lineup of tonight's favourite imaging targets for Glasgow observers.

Whirlpool Galaxy

Spiral galaxy Constellation: CVn Magnitude: 8.4 Best window: 21:00 - 23:00

Tidal streams reward deep integrations. Peaks near 22:00 at roughly 81 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Long focal length scope and dark skies

Hercules Globular Cluster

Globular cluster Constellation: Hercules Magnitude: 5.8 Best window: 00:00 - 02:00

A summer globular bursting with faint blue stragglers. Peaks near 01:00 at roughly 70 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Medium aperture scope to resolve the core

Bode's Galaxy

Spiral galaxy Constellation: Ursa Major Magnitude: 6.9 Best window: 21:00 - 22:00

Pair with the Cigar Galaxy for contrasting galaxy morphologies. Peaks near 21:00 at roughly 69 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Long focal length scope and dark skies

Cigar Galaxy

Starburst galaxy Constellation: Ursa Major Magnitude: 8.3 Best window: 21:00 - 22:00

Starburst filaments glow brightly in Ha-enhanced images. Peaks near 21:00 at roughly 69 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Long focal length scope and dark skies

Crescent Nebula

Emission nebula Constellation: Cygnus Magnitude: 7.4 (B) Best window: 02:00 - 03:00

Wolf-Rayet stellar winds carve the luminous bubble. Peaks near 03:00 at roughly 65 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Fast optics with narrowband filters

North America Nebula

Emission nebula Constellation: Cygnus Magnitude: 4.0 (B) Best window: 02:00 - 03:00

Combine with the Pelican for a dramatic Cygnus coastline. Peaks near 03:00 at roughly 63 deg altitude.

Suggested gear: Wide-field optics with narrowband filters