3 Reasons to observe this month

 Hidden in the constellation of Leo lies a fascinating sight: three spiral galaxies bound by gravity. M65, M66, and NGC 3628 form the famous Leo Triplet, a cosmic dance of stars, dust, and dark matter. From Earth, we see them from three different angles.

 Can you capture all three galaxies in a single image from your location? Just ten minutes of observation may be enough, but you might need to adjust your framing and timing.

For the curious observers, another galactic trio is nearby: M105, NGC 3384, and NGC 3389.

Nestled in the Ursa Major constellation, the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) is a true cosmic masterpiece. With its five majestic arms rich in star-forming regions, it is the perfect example of a spiral galaxy. 70% larger than our own Milky Way, it contains over a billion stars, making it one of the largest galaxies visible to amateur astronomers.

Can you make out its delicate structure? Take your time—its swirling arms are worth the effort.

Located in the Auriga constellation, M37 is an open cluster containing 500 stars. At 300 million years old, it offers a fascinating contrast of young blue stars and aging red giants.

Why the difference in color? Blue stars are massive and burn their fuel at high temperatures, while red giants are older stars nearing the end of their lives, having exhausted their hydrogen and expanded.

Can you spot them with the naked eye? The Pleiades are visible even from the city. Through your telescope, you will discover their bluish glow, a sign of their youth (only 100 million years old).

See you next month for more reasons to explore the sky!
Happy observing with UNISTELLAR.

The show continues on Jupiter this April! Its moons cast their shadows on the giant planet, creating eclipses visible even from urban areas. As they pass in front of our Sun, Io, Europa, and Ganymede trace dark silhouettes drifting across Jupiter’s cloudy surface

Check out our dedicated article for precise timings so you don’t miss this celestial ballet.