Jeff's Binocular Picks for July
Seen? Object Type Constellation  In / Near
b Early Evening
____ Coma Berenices  (Mel 111) Open Cluster Leo / Canes Venatici
____ M81/M82 Galaxies Ursa Major
____ Mizar/Alcor Double Star Ursa Major
____ M3 Globular Cluster Bootes
Mid Evening
____ M5 Globular Cluster Virgo / Serpens
____ Corona Borealis Constellation Corona Borealis
____ Eta Draconis Double Star Draco
____ M13  (Hercules Cluster) Globular Cluster Hercules
____ M92 Globular Cluster Hercules
____ Epsilon Lyra  (Double-Double) Double Star Lyra
____ M12 Globular Cluster Ophiuchus
____ M10 Globular Cluster Ophiuchus
____ M4  (Cat's Eye Cluster) Globular Cluster Scorpius
____ IC 4665 Open Cluster Ophiuchus
____ NGC 6633 Open Cluster Ophiuchus
____ Albireo Double Star Cygnus
____ CR 399  (Coathanger Cluster) Asterism Sagitta
____ M27  (Dumbbell Nebula) Planetary Nebula Cygnus / Sagitta
____ M11  (Wild Duck Cluster) Open Cluster Aquila
____ M8  (Lagoon Nebula) Diffuse Nebula Sagittarius
____ M6  (Butterfly Cluster) Open Cluster Scorpius / Sagittarius
____ M7 Open Cluster Scorpius / Sagittarius
____ M25 Open Cluster Sagittarius
____ M22 Globular Cluster Sagittarius
Later in the Night
____ M15 Globular Cluster Pegasus
____ M31  (Andromeda Galaxy) Galaxy Andromeda
____ Double Cluster Open Clusters Perseus
____ NGC 457 (ET Cluster) Open Cluster Cassiopeia
____ M45  (Pleiades) Open Cluster Taurus

 

The monthly list of binocular objects contains some of the best objects visible through ordinary binoculars.  Most of these are easy targets in binoculars, but a few can be challenging.  Viewing some of the more challenging objects from a dark site will help.  If your binoculars have a threaded tripod mount, placing them on a tripod will also help.    This list is also good for small scopes, too!

 Use this list along with a current copy of the monthly sky map from Skymaps.com and try to locate as many as you can.  This will help you learn how to navigate your way around the night sky.

Good Luck and have fun hunting! - Jeff

Back to the Binocular Highlight page