Listed below are some of the most impressive deep-sky objects for beginners to hunt down. These objects are relatively easy to find and will wow anyone looking through your telescope! The moon and planets are also great targets but are visible in different parts of the sky in different years. Software and current magazines will give the location of the planets at any given time. The moon, Jupiter and Saturn are by far the most impressive solar system objects and are must-sees if they are out. For beautiful targets beyond the solar system, check out the objects below.
Spring Objects
Object Name |
Type of Object |
Constellation |
M3 |
Globular Cluster |
Canes Venatici |
Beehive Cluster (M44) |
Star Cluster |
Cancer |
Algieba |
Double Star |
Leo |
Mizar |
Double Star |
Ursa Major |
Summer Objects
Object Name |
Type of Object |
Constellation |
Butterfly Cluster (M6) |
Star Cluster |
Scorpius |
M7 |
Star Cluster |
Scorpius |
Lagoon Nebula (M8) |
Diffuse Nebula & Star Cluster |
Sagittarius |
Wild Duck Cluster (M11) |
Star Cluster |
Scutum |
M13 |
Globular Cluster |
Hercules |
Swan Nebula (M17) |
Diffuse Nebula |
Sagittarius |
Ring Nebula (M57) |
Planetary Nebula |
Lyra |
Albireo |
Double Star |
Cygnus |
Fall Objects
Object Name |
Type of Object |
Constellation |
M2 |
Globular Cluster |
Aquarius |
M15 |
Globular Cluster |
Pegasus |
Andromeda Galaxy (M31) |
Galaxy |
Andromeda |
Double Cluster (NGC869 & 884) |
Star Clusters |
Perseus |
Winter Objects
Object Name |
Type of Object |
Constellation |
M35 |
Star Cluster |
Gemini |
M36 |
Star Cluster |
Auriga |
M37 |
Star Cluster |
Auriga |
M41 |
Star Cluster |
Canis Major |
Orion Nebula (M42) |
Diffuse Nebula |
Orion |
The Pleiades (M45) |
Star Cluster |
Taurus |