10 Amazing Deep Sky Objects to Observe in May

As the spring skies begin to clear and the weather warms up, May is the perfect time to break out your telescope and explore the universe’s wonders. From distant galaxies to luminous clusters, there are a plethora of deep-sky objects just waiting to be discovered. So grab your star charts and prepare to embark on a celestial journey with these deep sky objects.

10 must-see deep sky objects in the night sky this May:

Beehive Cluster(M44)

In the constellation Cancer, M44, the Beehive Cluster, shines brightly among its stars. Its abundance of stars dazzles onlookers; this deep sky object is also known as Praesepe. This deep sky object is a source of awe and admiration for the wide variety of stars that make up the magnificent canvas of our galaxy.

Look for the constellation Cancer in the eastern sky in the springtime to locate M44, the Beehive Cluster.  First, look for Regulus of Leo Constellation and the Gemini stars Castor and Pollux, because they’re your guide stars to the Beehive star cluster. Then, you’ll find the Beehive star cluster about halfway between Regulus and the Castor-and-Pollux pair. With binoculars, the splendor of this deep sky object can be seen beyond what the unaided eye sees as a misty patch of stars. M44 gets its name from a cluster of young stars that resembles a swarm of bees.

Markarian’s Chain (M84 and M86)

Within the Virgo Cluster lies a group of galaxies known as Markarian’s Chain. Benjamin Markarian, a Soviet scientist, discovered the galaxies’ common motion in the early 1960s, and he was honored with the name. The nine galaxies that make up the brightest portion of the Markarian’s Chain include NGC 4435 and NGC 4438, also referred to as Markarian’s Eyes, together with the massive galaxies M84 and M86.

This deep sky object can be found by aiming your telescope at the Virgo constellation. Draw a straight line between the Denebola star of the Leo constellation and the Vindemiatrix of Virgo and in between you will find this chain. Amidst the stars, Markarian’s Chain appears as a series of hazy, dim patches.

Leo Triplet (M66 Group)

M65, M66, and NGC 3628 (sometimes called the Hamburger Galaxy) are the three spiral galaxies that make up the Leo Triplet. The galaxies look slanted differently when viewed from Earth: M65 and M66 are sufficiently inclined to show their spiral arms, whereas NGC 3628 appears edge-on. There is gravitational interaction between all three galaxies.

Point your telescope in the direction of the Leo constellation to find this deep-sky object. Near the star Chertan (Theta Leonis), you’ll find a trio of galaxies: M65, M66, and NGC 3628. The ideal conditions for observing this tight collection of galaxies are dark sky and moderate to high magnification.

Sombrero Galaxy (M104)

M104, The Sombrero Galaxy, is an intriguing deep sky object in Virgo due to its unique hat-shaped brim. This spiral galaxy exhibits a noticeable dust lane around its brilliant center. Its remarkable beauty captivates onlookers, providing a little but alluring view into the cosmic beauty of the world. 

M104 is located close to the boundary between the Virgo and Corvus constellations. You can also find this deep sky object positioned inside a triangle formed by the stars Spica, Porrima, and Gienah, showcasing its unique hat-shaped brim, captivating observers with its beauty. 

Omega Centauri (C80)

The bright globular cluster Omega Centauri is located in the Centaurus constellation and revolves around the Milky Way. This deep sky object has millions of stars that are firmly held together by gravity to create a celestial display that may be seen from the southern and low latitudes of the northern hemispheres of Earth. It is one of the largest known globular clusters, spanning around 150 light-years in diameter and situated at a distance of about 17,090 light-years. This cluster may be the nucleus of a dwarf galaxy that the Milky Way disturbed, according to theoretical calculations. 

From the Southern Cross, go to the Jewel Box star cluster in the Southern Hemisphere, and finally arrive at Omega Centauri. It is best seen with binoculars or a telescope. The best way to view Omega Centauri, like any other globular cluster, is through a telescope.

The Great Cluster in Hercules( M13)

The Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M13, shines with a brilliant congregation. Hugely numerous stars are gravitationally locked in a spherical halo around this star, which is tucked away some 25,000 light-years away. A thick cluster of old stars that shine brilliantly against the background of space is located at its center.

To locate this deep-sky object look for Hercules high in the eastern sky during late evenings in the summer months. Scan Hercules with binoculars or a telescope to find this deep sky object as a faint, fuzzy patch near the star Eta and Zeta Herculis.

Bode’s and Cigar Galaxy( M81 & M82)

Located in the constellation Ursa Major, M81, or Bode’s Galaxy, captivates observers with its spiral arms and luminous core. Located approximately 12 million light-years away, this deep sky object invites contemplation of its intricate structure and the billions of stars it harbors within. M82, the Cigar Galaxy, is a nearby galaxy to M81 that stands out for its extended form and strong starburst activity i.e., intense bursts of star formation within galaxies’ cores. M82 is an intriguing deep-sky object for investigation since it is one of the nearest starburst galaxies to Earth.

Navigating Bode’s Galaxy (M81) and the Cigar Galaxy (M82) requires first locating Ursa Major’s Big Dipper. The simplest method to locate them is to first locate the bright star Dubhe, which is the uppermost point of the Big Dipper pan, and then move approximately 10 degrees northwest. The M81 group of galaxies, which extends from Ursa Major to Camelopardalis, includes M81 and M82. These deep sky objects can be seen via a telescope or binoculars, however they are quite faint.

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

The Whirlpool Galaxy, or Messier 51, graces the constellation Canes Venatici. About 23.5 million light-years away, this magnificent deep sky object features elegant spiral arms entwined with a tiny companion galaxy. 

Locate the terminal star, Alkaid, on the handle of the Big Dipper, then head southeast toward the Canes Venatici constellation to find M51, The Whirlpool Galaxy. Through the use of telescopes, the beauty of this deep sky object is captured, allowing viewers to wonder at the cosmic twirl of star creation and interaction and providing an insight into the vastness of the universe.

Needle galaxy(C38)

The Needle Galaxy is located in the Coma Berenice constellation. It resembles a cosmic needle piercing the fabric of space due to its thin profile and edge-on orientation. This deep-sky object is located around 30 million light-years away. To locate the Needle Galaxy, navigate to the constellation Coma Berenices. The galaxy is located at 3 degrees from the North Galactic Pole and 3 degrees southeast of Gamma Comae Berenices, the constellation’s brightest star. Astronomers and enthusiasts will find this deep-sky object fascinating to observe, as it has a distinct dust lane across the entire length of its disk.

Butterfly Cluster – M6 & Ptolemy’s Cluster – M7

The constellation Scorpius is adorned by the celestial beauty of M6, referred to as the Butterfly Cluster, and M7 called the Ptolemy Cluster. M6’s starry configuration is like a butterfly’s delicate wings. These open star clusters, are visible to the unaided eye, awe viewers with their brightness and complex formations. M6 and M7, are best viewed from dark sky locations, and provide amazing views that inspire awe and curiosity about space.

To locate these deep-sky objects, find the constellation Scorpius in the southern sky. Look for M6 around the Scorpion’s tail near the Shaula star and M7 by moving southward from M6 in a straight line parallel to the Scorpius tail, using binoculars or telescopes for better visibility.

All in all, May’s night sky is a celestial spectacle full of deep-sky objects just waiting to be discovered and marveled at. From star clusters from ancient times to sparkling nebulae and far-off galaxies, the universe is filled with amazing things that captivate and inspire. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just starting, observing these deep sky objects can inspire wonder at the beauty and diversity of the universe and provide a strong sense of connection to it. 

To experience such beautiful glory of deep sky objects, join us at Stargazing at Bhandardara | Stargazing Mumbai. Discover the mysteries of the night sky and be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of Deep Sky Objects. Prepare to be captivated as we unveil the universe’s secret riches. 

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