Messier 6 the Butterfly Cluster (also cataloged as M6 and as NGC 6405) is an open cluster of stars located in the southern constellation of Scorpius. American astronomer Robert Burnham has given its name as Butterfly Cluster because of its outlines shape to a butterfly with open wings. In 1654 Giovanni Battista Hodierna was the first astronomer to record the existence of the Butterfly Cluster. … Continue reading Messier 6 : Butterfly Cluster
Messier 5 (M5) also designated as NGC 5904 is located in the northern constellation Serpens. Messier 5 is a globular cluster which was discovered by German astronomer Gottfried Kirch in 1702 while he was observing a comet. First, he believed it was to be a star with nebulosity. After the discovery William Herschel resolved roughly 200 individual stars in the cluster in 1791. Messier 5 … Continue reading Messier 5
Messier 4 (M4) also designated as NGC 6121 is located in the constellation of Scorpius. Messier 4 is a globular cluster which is discovered in 1745 by Swiss astronomer and mathematician Philippe Loys de Chéseaux. and lately cataloged by Charles Messier in 1764. And recorded first globular cluster in which each and every star were resolved. Messier 4 has an approximate distance of 7,200 light years … Continue reading Messier 4
Messier 3 (M3) or also known as NGC 5272 is a globular cluster which is located in the constellation Canes Venatici. In 1764 Messier 3 was discovered by Charles Messier. After 20 years (1984) William Herschel resolved messier 3 into stars. That helped messier 3 to become one of the best studied globular clusters. Continue reading “Messier 3”
Messier 2 (M2) or also known as NGC 7089 is a globular cluster which is located in the constellation Aquarius. In 1746 Messier 2 was discovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi. Also, Messier 2 is considered as one of the largest globular clusters ever discovered. Continue reading “Messier 2”
Messier 1 (M1) also known as Crab nebula, Taurus A or NGC 1952 is an expanding supernova (exploded star) remnant located in the constellation of Taurus. By using a 36-inch telescope William Parson is the first person to observe the object in 1840 and he came up with a drawing which looked similar to a crab. The current name came up with that. Crab nebula was the historical first astronomical object identified as a supernova explosion. Continue reading “Messier 1 : Crab Nebula”
