Glenn Chaple's Columns
- Messier 104 – the “Sombrero Galaxy” in Virgo
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Entry Date: May 1, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
One of the more noteworthy examples of an edge-on spiral galaxy bisected by a dark dust lane is M104, the Sombrero Galaxy. The nick-name arises from the galaxy’s resemblance to the traditional Mexican headwear, the bright nuclear bulge forming the ha... more - Messier 101: Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
One of the best examples of a star-hop is the one that takes us from Mizar (the middle star in the Handle of the Big Dipper) to the face-on spiral galaxy M101. It’s a fortuitous situation because, were it isolated, M101 might be one of the more diffi... more - 40 Eridani - Triple Star in Eridanus
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
This month, we travel 16.5 light years to the remarkable triple star 40 Eridani (aka Keid and omicron2 Eridani). This system merits must-see status by virtue of the fact that one of its members is the most easily-seen white dwarf in the night sky. Trek... more - NGC 7662 – Planetary Nebula in Andromeda, the “Blue Snowball”
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
What could be a more appropriate telescopic destination for a wintry night in January than the “Blue Snowball?” More formally known as NGC 7662, the Blue Snowball is a beautiful planetary nebula located in Andromeda. Discovered by William Herschel ... more
