What's in the Sky this Month

Welcome to the November edition of our observing guide! Wondering what planets you can see tonight? The southern sky has plenty to offer, from Jupiter and Saturn to Uranus and Neptune. Whether you’re checking what’s in the sky tonight or planning a telescope session, you’ll also be able to enjoy galaxies, bright star clusters, and other stunning celestial sights. There’s something for every observer, whether you’re using binoculars, a small telescope, or a smart scope. JUPITER The big news this month is that Jupiter is starting to rise at the end of the night this month. You’ll still need to be up late, (around 1am and later), though by Christmas it’ll be better positioned in the sky for observing, but if you can’t wait till then, you’ll be able to catch Jupiter starting this month. One of our favourite things about observing the Jupiter is that it’s not alone, as you’ve also got it’s 4 Galilean moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. While you won’t be able to see detail on the surface of these 4 moons, each day you observe Jupiter you’ll see them in a different orientation as they dance around the planet.In fact, it’s not uncommon for there to be occasions where the moons will appear cross the disk of Jupiter, called a transit, or even cast shadows on its surface! Simulated image of Jupiter's double shadow transit event on the 2nd of November. Credit: Stellarium We’ve put below some of the dates where you’ll be able to see this phenomena through your telescope below (all times are Sydney/Melbourne time AEDT): Time (AEDT) Event November 2, 2025 (Night of Nov 1) 1:21 AM Io's shadow begins to cross Jupiter 2:35 AM Io begins transit of Jupiter 2:53 AM Europa's shadow begins to cross Jupiter (Multi-shadow transit event) 3:35 AM Io's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk (Multi-shadow transit event ends) November 4, 2025 (Night of Nov 3) 1:16 AM Ganymede's shadow begins to cross Jupiter 4:24 AM Ganymede's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk November 9, 2025 (Night of Nov 8) 3:14 AM Io's shadow begins to cross Jupiter 4:25 AM Io begins transit of Jupiter November 18, 2025 (Night of Nov 17) 1:50 AM Io's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk 2:57 AM Io ends transit of Jupiter November 20, 2025 (Night of Nov 19) 1:00 AM Europa transit of Jupiter visible 2:28 AM Europa ends transit of Jupiter November 22, 2025 (Night of Nov 21) 1:00 AM Callisto transit of Jupiter visible 1:50 AM Callisto ends transit of Jupiter November 25, 2025 (Night of Nov 24) 1:29 AM Io's shadow begins to cross Jupiter 2:29 AM Io begins transit of Jupiter 3:44 AM Io's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk November 27, 2025 (Night of Nov 26) 1:59 AM Europa begins transit of Jupiter 2:50 AM Europa's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk   Jupiter is visible between 1am all the way until sunrise this month, and technically is at it's highest in the sky right before sunrise, so if you’re keen to check out our Solar System’s biggest planet, you’re up for some late nights (or early mornings). We still say it’s worth it. SATURN Saturn is perfectly situated in the sky for observing this month. It’s nice and high early in the night, making it a great target to observe right when it gets dark. While observing, you might find yourself wondering where Saturn’s famous rings went! This is because they’re actually perfectly edge on this month, meaning they all but disappear from our view. This is a rare phenomenon to observe, only occurring every 14-15 years. And for those wondering, yes fear not, Saturn’s rings will be back, from December onwards they’ll start to slowly open up again, becoming more and more visible.Saturn is visible from sunset until midnight this month, but is best observed right after sunset, when it’s really high in the sky.   URANUS Uranus is in opposition this month! We’ve talked about what an opposition event is in other months, but for those who haven’t been watching, it’s when a planet reaches it’s closest distance to Earth! Now for a planet as far out as Uranus, it won’t make a world shattering difference, but it still means it’s the best opportunity this year to observe the planet, as it’ll be just around 10% larger, and a little brighter too. With low magnification, Uranus will appear as a small bluish grey point of light, but with a high magnification and a telescope 6” and up in size, that blue-grey point of light will turn into a tiny blue-grey disk.Not the most dramatic object to observe, but still, a great opportunity to tick one of the 8 planets off the list.Uranus is visible in the sky between 8:30pm until 3am, but is best observe when it’s at it’s highest at around midnight.   NEPTUNE We’d be remiss not to also mention Neptune this month. Like we’ve mentioned in previous editions, there isn’t a whole lot to observe, but if you’re already looking at Saturn, Neptune is a short hop away. To observe the furthest planet in our solar system, you’ll be able to find it from sunset until midnight, but the best time to observe it is around 8:30 pm, right after Saturn. DEEP SKY OBJECTS: If you'd like to go further than the Solar system this month, we've got loads of objects for you to observe, including some of the southern hemisphere's very best objects.   47 TUC (NGC 104) Image credit: ESO/M.-R. Cioni/VISTA Magellanic Cloud survey.Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit If you only observe one deepsky object this month, make sure it’s 47 Tucanae, the 2nd globular cluster in the night sky. Globular clusters are huge, tightly packed groups of stars, often containing hundreds of thousands or even millions of stars all bound together by gravity. They’re usually spherical, very old, and orbit the outskirts of our galaxy, appearing in telescopes as dazzling, sparkling balls of stars.And Brighter than all other globulars bar Omega Centauri, 47 Tucanae might also be the prettiest. It’s got an incredible depth and texture to it, giving it an almost 3d-like quality through a telescope, making it an object with no peers in the sky.47 Tucanae is bright enough that even in light polluted city skies, you’ll still get great views of it, but of course the darker the skies, the better your view gets.You’ll find 47 Tucanae in the constellation Tucana, and It’s visible from 9pm all the way until 2am.  To see the most detail, we recommend you observe between the 10th and the 20th, when The Moon won’t be in the sky.   THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD/SMC Image Credit: ESO/VISTA VMC Right next to 47 Tucanae, is of course the SMC, which we talked about at great lengths last month. This month it’s still just as visible, and worth checking out still. Check out last months guide/video for more information on one of the the Southern Hemisphere’s most unique objects.Just like 47 Tucanae, the SMC is visible from 9pm until 2am, and we really suggest waiting until between the 10th and the 20th, when the Moon isn’t visible, as the SMC is an object that really get’s washed out by the Moon. This is also an object that needs darker skies, so if your visually observing this one, we’d skip it, unless you’ve got a smart telescope, in which case, it’s a great target.THE SCULPTOR GALAXY (NGC 253) Image credit: ESO/INAF-VSTAcknowledgement: A. Grado/L. Limatola/INAF-Capodimonte Observatory NGC 253, also known as the Sculptor Galaxy, is one of the brightest galaxies in the southern hemisphere, and is a great target for telescopes in darker skies, and perfect for Smart Telescopes wherever you are.The Sculptor Galaxy is actually a spiral galaxy, much like our own, though given it’s fairly shallow apparent angle to us, it can be hard to tell. It’s also a starburst galaxy, meaning it’s forming stars at an unusually high rate. Because it’s quite bright for a galaxy, as well as being edge on, it presents well in most telescopes, just make sure you have skies dark enough to observe it. The Sculptor galaxy is also a great target for astrophotography, as it’s got tons of detail that can be brought out with long exposures. And also like we mentioned, it’s great for smart telescopes as well.The Sculptor Galaxy can be found in wouldn’t you guess, the constellation Sculptor. It’s best observed between 8:30 pm and 1am, and like the rest of the objects on this list, we’d suggest waiting until the Moon isn’t in the sky to observe it.THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY (M31) Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & Digitized Sky Survey 2. Acknowledgment: Davide De Martin (ESA/Hubble) Speaking of Spiral galaxies, we thought we’d also mention that this month is the best to observe the closest one to us, the famous Andromeda Galaxy. Now before we continue, a word of warning, the Andromeda Galaxy will be very low in the sky, as it’s primarily a Northern Hemisphere object, but that won’t stop us here down south from trying!You’ll need a really clear Northern horizon, and if your further south than Sydney, I’d probably give this one a skip (sorry Melbourne). You’ll also need very dark skies.So if you’ve ticked off everything above, then the Andromeda Galaxy is actually a naked eye object, and even better with Binoculars. You can find the Andromeda Galaxy just a few degrees above the horizon looking north, and it’s in wouldn’t you know, in the constellation Andromeda. Look for it between 9-11pm, and again, on days with no moon. CONCLUSION Does that answer what planets can I see tonight, or curious what’s visible in the night sky? November brings a mix of planets, bright clusters, and distant galaxies perfect for observing. Grab your telescope, binoculars, or smart scope, and enjoy a night under the stars, the southern sky has plenty of wonders waiting to be discovered.

Image Credit: ESO Welcome to your October guide to the Southern Hemisphere night sky! This month, we’ve got a fantastic mix of planets, deep sky objects, and even a rare comet to chase. Whether you’re a casual stargazer enjoying the view with binoculars, a telescope enthusiast hunting planets and nebulae, or an astrophotographer capturing the wonders above, there’s plenty to see and explore. From bright planets like Saturn and Mercury to stunning deep sky gems like the Small Magellanic Cloud and the Helix Nebula, October promises plenty of celestial highlights to keep your nights busy.   Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN This month brings a rare visitor from the outer Solar System: Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN, which reaches its closest approach on October 19th, just 0.261 AU from Earth. Last seen in the inner Solar System over 20,000 years ago. Image Credit: Mike Kane After perihelion on September 12, it developed a striking 5° corkscrew-shaped ion tail visible in photographs. That’s about the length of 10 Full Moons! Currently around magnitude 6, it’s visible with binoculars low on the western horizon just after sunset. Look near Mars and Spica in Virgo to help spot it. As it approaches Earth, it may brighten to magnitude 4, possibly making it visible to the naked eye under dark skies.. This closest approach is due to happen on the 19th of October, so pencil in the days between the 18th till the 21st, as that will hopefully be one of the best opportunities this year to observe a comet. The comet will continue moving through Libra, Scorpius, and Sagittarius before fading in early November. And since comets can surprise us with sudden changes in brightness or appearance, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN. Look out for an updated video and article from us right before the best viewing nights so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to spot it.   Mercury This month, we’ve also got the 2nd best opportunity of the year to observe Mercury, as it reaches its greatest elongation on the 29th of October. This is when Mercury reaches it’s greatest distance in the sky from the Sun and makes it the best time to observe the planet. The greatest elongation of the inner planets (Mercury and Venus) is kind of like their version of opposition. It’s not quite the same, as it’s not when the planet is at it’s largest, but it represents the best opportunity to observe the planet, as it signifies when the planet appears to be the farthest distance form the sun in our sky.If you don’t have an opportunity to observe on exactly the 29th, don’t worry! While planetary opposition and elongation events are typically given as just one date, the truth is that while this date represents the absolute peak, observing up to a week before or after is often 90% as good! So don’t think you’ve missed out, you haven’t!   Saturn Speaking of opposition, while Saturn’s opposition has already passed, secretly we actually think now may be a better time to observe. Why? Because while Saturn is ever so slightly smaller than last month, it’s rising earlier in the night, making it easier to observe for those of us keen to maintain a reasonable bedtime! While the best viewing window is still a little late, between 10 and 12pm, you’ll still get great views of the planet anytime after sunset, and Saturn should be fairly easy to spot in the Northeastern area of the sky.   Neptune Once again Neptune joins us alongside Saturn in the Sky. If you’ve got a scope big enough (we’d typically recommend and aperture of 6 inches or larger), and you can See Saturn in the sky, then you’ll be able to spot Neptune. There’s not much worth looking at in it’s own right, but if you’re already observing Saturn, you may as well turn your scope to the furthest planet in the Solar system. Like Saturn, Neptune is best observed between 10-12pm, but you’ll be able to see it anytime after sunset.If you’re up late, this month also represents a good time to have a look at Uranus. Again if you’ve got the aperture, you’ll see a tiny grey-blue disk. This month it’s really only for the most dedicated planet hunters, as to have a good view of it, you’ll need to be up between 1-3am, as that’s when it’s best positioned for observing in the sky.   Uranus Deep Sky Objects This Month   The Small Magellanic Cloud/SMC (NGC 292) The main attraction this month is one of the gems of the Southern sky, The Small Magellanic cloud. While it doesn’t take up as much of the sky as it’s cousin the Large Magellanic cloud (more on this incredible object come January), there’s nothing Small about this cloud of stars, as it stretches 4 degrees across in the sky (that’s 8 moons across!). Image Credit: ESO/VISTA VMC The Small Magellanic Cloud, or SMC for short is a satellite galaxy of the Milkyway, meaning the SMC orbits the Milky way much in a similar way to how the Moon orbits the Earth! It’s exclusively visible to us in the southern hemisphere, and is easily one of the gems of the southern sky. The SMC is visible to the naked eye from dark sites with little light pollution, and in fact is one of the furthest objects visible with the naked eye, at a distance of 200,000 light years away. Up the magnification and light gathering with a pair of Binoculars and the SMC will stand out even more, and you’ll also be able to make out some of the details of the galaxy itself. Up the Magnification and light gathering even more with a large telescope, and individual features within the SMC become resolvable. NGC 346 My personal favorite of the objects you can observe inside the SMC is NGC346, a bright nebula inside the SMC, which through binoculars is visible as a bright patch near the tail of the galaxy, but with a telescope 6 inches and up, some shape in the nebula is able to be resolved. NGC 346 is a nice object in its own right, but being able to observe a nebula inside another galaxy really elevates the observing experience on this one. Image Credit: ESO NGC 346 is also a great target for astrophotography, whether with your own set up or using a smart telescope, and again, it’s crazy to think about how you’re taking a photo of a nebula in another galaxy entirely!   As the SMC is so far south in the sky, you’ve got plenty of time to observe it, as it’s reasonably well visible all the way from 8pm until 4 am. In a dark sky, you’ll see it as a small diffuse patch towards the south, in an otherwise fairly barren area of the sky. You’ll be able to enjoy the Small Magellanic Cloud from now all the way until December. The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) Another great target this month is NGC 7293, the Helix Nebula. Often also known by the much more dramatic name, the Eye of God Nebula, the Helix Nebula is one of the closest Planetary Nebula to Earth, which makes it one of the rare planetary Nebula in the sky large enough to make out considerable detail through a telescope, as well as being large enough to be a great target astrophotography target for small refractors and Smart telescopes. Image Credit: ESO Through the eyepiece, you’ll see an eye shape staring right back, and you’ll see more details the darker your sky, and if you have a UHC filter like this one to boost contrast: https://bintel.com.au/products/astronomik-uhc-filter. Planetary nebulae like the Helix are formed during the final stages of a medium-sized star’s life. When stars similar in size to our Sun exhaust the fuel in their cores, they shed their outer layers into space, creating an expanding shell of glowing gas. The exposed hot core, now a white dwarf, emits intense ultraviolet radiation that excites the surrounding gas, causing it to shine in the striking colours we see in photographs. Planetary nebulae aren’t uncommon in the galaxy, but the Helix is special because it’s one of the closest and brightest, making its structure and details much easier to observe.   The Helix Nebula is another quintessentially Southern object. While it is technically observable from the Northern Hemisphere, they don’t get to see it quite like we do, as we get to see it rise right overhead in the night sky.You’ll find the Helix nebula in the constellation Aquarius, and it’s best observed between 8 to 10pm, when its at its highest in the night sky. And that brings an end to this month’s guide to the night sky. October offers an incredible variety of observing opportunities for Southern Hemisphere stargazers. From the bright planets like Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune, to a rare visitor from the outer Solar System in Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN, there’s something for every type of observer, no matter if you’re up late hunting faint outer planets or enjoying a relaxed evening spotting a comet low on the horizon. The deep sky is equally rewarding, with the Small Magellanic Cloud and its internal treasures like NGC 346, as well as the Helix Nebula, giving both visual observers and astrophotographers stunning targets to explore. With clear skies, dark horizons, and a mix of familiar and extraordinary objects, October is shaping up to be a month that truly showcases the richness of our southern night sky.

Welcome to Bintel’s night sky guide for September, where we give you a few suggestions on what to view to make the most out of your telescope, binoculars or even just your evenings gazing up at the stars. We’ll provide you with a quick rundown of the planets, lunar viewing and dive straight into some deep sky objects!   The biggest news this month of course is the Lunar Eclipse (also known as a “Blood Moon”) happening this month. Keep reading and we’ll tell you the best time to see it for where you’re observing from. The Moon For lunar phases this month we’ve got a full moon on the 8th of September, third quarter on the 14th, a new moon on the 22nd and first quarter on the 29th. The week of the new moon will be your best chance for imaging, since you won’t have the Moons’ glow interrupting any of your views of these objects! The Moon will wash out most of these objects in the first week of the month between 6:30-7:30pm, so we recommend keeping this week for lunar observing before you dive into deep sky objects.   Cross your fingers for clear skies in the first week of September, because there will be a total solar eclipse, visible from all of Australia on the morning of September the 8th! (and only some of New Zealand, sorry New Zealand!) This event happens in stages; the Moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow (penumbra), followed by the inner shadow (umbra), when the Moon starts to become a red-orange colour. The Moon will pass through the centre of the shadow before making its way out, ending the eclipse. The most interesting part is the cross over and the total eclipse, so be sure to watch the west skies early in the morning. Here is the timing for a few major cities around Australia: Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne  Partial Eclipse (Moon starts getting red); 2:27am Total Eclipse begins (Moon is completely red); 3:30am Maximum Eclipse (Moon is in the centre of the shadow); 4:11am Total Eclipse ends (Moon starts to leave earths umbra); 4:52am Eclipse ends (Moon is completely out of Earth’s shadow); 5:56am Adelaide & Darwin  Partial Eclipse (Moon starts getting red); 1:57am Total Eclipse begins (Moon is completely red); 3:00am Maximum Eclipse (Moon is in the centre of the shadow); 3:41am Total Eclipse ends (Moon starts to leave earths umbra); 4:22am Eclipse ends (Moon is completely out of Earth’s shadow); 5:26am Perth  Partial Eclipse (Moon starts getting red); 12:27am Total Eclipse begins (Moon is completely red); 1:30am Maximum Eclipse (Moon is in the centre of the shadow); 2:11am Total Eclipse ends (Moon starts to leave earths umbra); 2:52am Eclipse ends (Moon is completely out of Earth’s shadow); 3:56am Check where to look for Sydney above. You can download this map here. If you’d like to know what it will look like from your location, you can check out the path and visibility calculator here. What Planets can I see? Just like August, planets in September are typically rising with the sun, taking them out of our list for what’s in the (night) sky. Jupiter makes a very brief appearance in the north-east before being washed out by sunlight, Mars gets a little too low for most observers in the west, any trees will likely block this red gem from your view, and Mercury and Venus are flying too close to the sun to be seen. SATURN Saturn will be in opposition on the 21st of this month. Opposition is when the planet and the Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth to each other, meaning this is when the planet is at it’s closest to the Earth and thus will appear biggest. This makes September this year one of the best months to view the planet, as it’ll be around 10% bigger than when we first started talking about Saturn in June. Best observing: Saturn can be seen in the east from 8pm but is best viewed from 10pm-11:30pm. NEPTUNE Neptune is still hanging around Saturn, sitting a tad closer to the horizon than Saturn. You’ll know by now Neptune isn’t stealing the show for its visual appeal, but Neptune's great distance makes it a bucket list object for all astronomers.  Best observing: The same as Saturn, Neptune can be seen in the east from 8pm but is best viewed from 10pm-11:30pm. URANUS Uranus is much like Neptune in the way that it’s unassuming when viewed, and most of the joy you get from viewing it comes from your knowledge. While looking for it in the north, keep in mind you’re looking at the first planet discovered with the aid of a telescope. Not only that, but Uranus is the only planet tipped on its side, making it the planet with the most extreme seasons. These little facts remind us that its not always what you see that makes the view worth it! Best observing: Uranus will be visible from about 2 am from the start of the month, however, the best time to view it is from 3am-4:30am. Uranus will start to rise earlier and earlier throughout the month, so aim for the end of the month for the best views.   What Deep sky Objects can I see? With the lack of planets to view, its time for deep sky objects to shine. Most astronomers will know that the biggest adversary for deep sky viewing this time of year (aside from the cold) is the Moon. When the Moon passes through the band of the Milky Way, depending on its phase, it’s so bright it can wash out a lot of dimmer objects like galaxies and nebula. Despite this, we get a few good weeks where the Moon won’t be in the way. We’ve got some fabulous objects for you to check out, so grab your gear and lets get viewing! If you'd Like to download the above to help you find these objects, you can do so here. Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24): Image Credit: ESO/S. Guisard (www.eso.org/~sguisard) Unlike most objects we discuss here, M24 isn’t one defined thing but instead a cloud of stars that gives a deeper look into the Sagittarius arm of the Milky Way. M24 is home to a variety of stars spanning different magnitudes and colours, making it a visually appealing cluster of jewel like stars. While observing the cloud, see if you can spot the brightest star, a white supergiant (designated HD 167356), a variable star whose brightness fluctuates as it rotates. Keep your eye out for the open cluster within the star cloud, NGC 6603, which may be hard to distinguish at first glance, but impossible not to notice once you see it. For something a little more challenging, see if you can locate some of the dark nebulae within the cloud, namely Barnard 92 and Barnard 93.  This also serves as your reminder that September is the last month where you’ll be able to see the full length of the Milky Way span right overhead.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐    Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: You’ll be able to see Sagittarius star cloud all month after 6:30pm next to well, the constellation Sagittarius of course, and is best viewed from 7pm-8pm between the 7th and 14th in the north, along with the Milky Way, which will be best visible during the same times.   Eagle Nebula (The Pillars of Creation) (M16): Image Credit: ESO Most astronomers will be familiar with the Eagle Nebula, M16, not for the entire nebula itself but rather what lies inside. The Eagle Nebula is home to the Pillars of Creation, made famous made famous by the incredible Hubble Space Telescope image of it, but the Pillars can actually be photographed even with fairly modest imaging equipment. Even the most preliminary of images brings out incredible detail, it’s no surprise that M16 is a well-known favourite. There is also an easy to spot open cluster sitting just below the Eagles ‘wing’, which is filled with massive, young, hot stars, and is home to the brightest star in the nebula, a binary star system (designated HD 168076).  Visual ⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: The Eagle Nebula can be seen from 6:30pm onwards all month, between the constellations of Scutum and Sagittarius, best seen between 7pm-8pm in the second week of September, high in the north.   Omega Nebula (M17): Image Credit: ESO Now lets look at the Omega Nebula, also known as Swan Nebula or M17. This HII region is one of the largest star forming regions, it holds some of the youngest star clusters, which are often obscured by the brilliant nebula we see. Thanks to the Omega Nebula being relatively east to see visually, it has a long history of being sketched and observed, giving it a paper trail from initial sketches in the 1800’s.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: Just like the Eagle Nebula before, the Omega Nebula can be seen between Archer and Shield from 6:30pm onwards and will be best viewed from the 7th-14th, around 7pm-8pm, up in the north.   Ring Nebula (M57): Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and C. Robert O’Dell (Vanderbilt University). The Ring Nebula, or M57, is probably the most famous planetary nebula in the sky, and for good reason, its ring shape is clear to see in telescopes larger than 6 inches, and offers a stunning glimpse into a star’s final stages. Planetary nebulae are formed when a dying star sheds its outer layers, creating a glowing ring of gas and dust. For the Ring Nebula, this occurred face on, allowing us to see ring shape in all it’s glory.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When and Where to see it:  This target is low in the constellation Lyra in the north, and needs a fairly clear northern horizon. For the best chance to observe or photograph it, get a clear view facing north at 7pm around the middle of the month, when the Moon is nowhere to be seen.   Cacciatore Cluster (C78): We also suggest checking out Cacciatore Cluster, or C78. This old globular cluster hosts intriguing blue stragglers, stars that are hotter and bluer than expected for their age. Unlike typical older, redder stars, blue stragglers don’t follow normal evolution. Their origin remains a mystery, with theories ranging from stellar collisions to star mass stealing. When observing such objects, it’s a reminder of the fascinating, still-unknown science in our extraordinary universe.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: Cacciatore cluster sits in a patch of sky between the constellations of Telescopium and Scorpius, viewable from 6:30pm and best viewed from 7:30pm-8:30pm in the same week as the others, 7th-14th.     Great Sagittarius Cluster (M22): Image Credit: ESO/VVVX survey Next we suggest looking at one of the first globular clusters to ever be discovered; the Great Sagittarius Cluster. This bright cluster is one of only four globular clusters known to contain a planetary nebula, and in 2012 two black holes were discovered by the Very Large Array radio telescope, making it a cluster with more to it than meets the eye!  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: M22 is located at the head of the constellation Sagittarius of course, and is visible all month from 6:30pm onwards, best viewed between 7pm-8pm when its high in the sky and there’s no Moon to interrupt.   Wild Duck Cluster (M11): Image Credit: ESO Finally we come to the Wild Duck Cluster, an open cluster lucky enough to be imaged by HST, courtesy of its high density and composition. This cluster can be seen with the naked eye, though is best viewed through a telescope.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐  Astrophotography ⭐⭐   When and Where to see it: Located right next to the constellation Scutum, this cluster can be seen from 6:30pm onwards, but is best viewed between 7:30pm-8:30pm all month long.   That’s it for our guide this month. Make sure to earmark the morning of September 8 for the total lunar eclipse, the standout event of the season. While you’re out, take in Saturn’s narrowing rings and, on clearer nights, turn your attention to the Eagle Nebula to glimpse the famous Pillars of Creation.

Image credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA Welcome to Bintel’s night sky guide for August, tailored for stargazers across Australia and New Zealand. Each month we select some of the best objects to view over the coming month, and help answer some common questions: What can I see in the sky tonight? Which planets are visible? What can I explore beyond our solar system? This guide isn’t just a list of things to find, it’s a hand-picked selection of the best celestial sights this month, with tips to help you make the most of every clear night. And with winter in full swing, that means longer nights, better seeing, and some of the year’s best stargazing conditions.  Without further ado, let's take a look at what's in the sky this month! What Planets can I see? The view of planets is few and far between this month, with Mars setting early in the evening, Saturn and Neptune sitting low on the horizon very early in the morning, and the others sitting a little too close to the sun to be viewed in all their glory. That’s okay though, as a lack of planets gives way to some hidden gems in and out of our Milkyway!   MARS Our little red planet is nearing the end of its visibility for a while, as come mid-September the planet will be too close to the sun to view. Mars is hanging low in the sky in the northwest around 5:30.  Best observing: August 20th at 5:30pm in the north west. SATURN Keen astronomers can catch Saturn early in the morning, between 1am-3am, in the north. As mentioned last month, Saturn's rings are soon to “disappear” from our view for a short time, taking a look this month compared to last, you can see the slight precession Saturn has made to give us a more closed off view of its rings. Best observing: August 3rd at 3:30am in the north, or August 25th at 1:30am in the north. NEPTUNE If you’re already viewing Saturn, you may as well tilt your telescope just a bit to the horizon and take a look at Neptune. As we’ve said before, though Neptune doesn’t win any awards for being the most impressive planet to see, the satisfaction of being able to say you saw it at all is reward enough. Best observing: The same as Saturn.   The Moon This month we recommend looking at the Clavius crater on the 6th of August around 9pm. Clavius is the second largest crater on the visible side of the moon, and is nearing 4 billion years old, making it one of the largest and oldest craters visible to us. This size makes it visible to the naked eye but is truly enhanced by a simple pair of binoculars or a telescope, which brings out the crater impacts on the floor of Clavius. This crater also had water molecules discovered within it by NASA’s SOFIA, indicating the presence of water on the sunlit side of the moon. And, for all you sci-fi fans out there, this is the location for the fictional lunar base depicted in “2001: A Space Odyssey”, aptly named Clavius Base! For something a little less theoretically cool and more visually interesting, take a look at the Posidonius Crater on the 29th of August around 6pm. Viewed best with a telescope, though still visible through binoculars, Posidonius’ floor is made up of a network of rilles (fractures), which were created by volcanic activity. This volcanic activity along with other impact craters create a crater that’s got a multitude of ridges and hills to explore visually.   Bintel Recommends: for Lunar observing The Bintel Beginner Telescope Upgrade Kit. This essential kit enhances your lunar viewing experience with: A Moon Filter to reduce the moon’s bright glare and reveal fine details in craters and valleys. A comprehensive Moon Map to help identify the numerous lunar features on the moons surface. Special Offer: Get the Bintel Beginner Telescope Upgrade Kit at a special 30% discount when purchased with any Celestron StarSense Explorer telescope.    What Deep sky Objects can I see? With planetary viewing shortened to just a few planets for the whole month, August is one of the best months for deep sky object viewing. The band of the Milkyway cuts right across the night sky every evening, and with the weather nice and chilly this month, there won’t be much atmospheric disturbance from the heat. This month is all about clusters and nebula, as we take a look at some of the oldest and most stunning objects in the southern hemisphere.  Ara Globular Cluster (C86, NGC6397) Image credit: NASA, ESA, and T. Brown and S. Casertano (STScI)Acknowledgement: NASA, ESA, and J. Anderson (STScI) The Ara Globular Cluster starts us off with a bang, being the second closest Globular cluster to our Milkyway. As many globular clusters do, Ara offers an array of different coloured stars. The Ara Globular cluster is nearly as old as the universe – sitting at about 13 billion years of age –  and as such it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most studied objects in the night sky.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visually, the Ara Globular Cluster is a really nice Globular cluster to observe. In smaller scopes you’ll see a fuzzy round patch, and in larger scopes you’ll start to resolve individual stars.  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐  The Ara Globular cluster is also a great object for smart telescopes, it fits well into the field of view of most smart scopes, and you’ll resolve more and more of the cluster with each image you stack.  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐ The Ara Globular cluster is a pretty good astrophotography target, but as you’ll see with our later targets, there are better targets to photograph this month. When and Where to see it NGC6397 can be found next to the band of the Milkyway, in the constellation of Ara, best viewed around 7:30pm-8:30pm, on nights without the Moon.   Ptolemy’s Cluster (Messier 7, NGC6475) Image credit: ESO Next we’ve got Ptolemy’s cluster, another visual stunner for both naked eye, binocular and telescope viewing. This open cluster can be viewed even in Sydney, an d you’ll find it as a small collection of stars (approximately 80) shining brightly just below the Scorpion tail of constellation Scorpius.   Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ptolemy’s Cluster is one of the best open clusters in the sky. Through a telescope you’ll see an area dense with stars, and in dark skies, you’ll see that this object is framed by some of the Milky Way’s interstellar dust regions.    Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐ Ptolemy’s cluster fits well in the field of view of most smart telescopes, but isn’t as impressive looking as it is through the eyepiece.  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐ Ptolemy’s cluster is an interesting astrophotography target, as you’ve got loads of interesting dark nebula in the region alongside the cluster itself. When and Where to see it Messier 7 can be found just below the tail of the Scorpius constellation, best viewed around 8pm-9pm all throughout the month.   Trifid Nebula (M20, NGC6514) Image credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA Trifid is a bright star forming region that houses a range of different types of nebula. The combination of an open cluster, reflection, emission and dark nebula makes up its tri lobed shape. It’s red and blue colour, coupled with the bright stars nestled under its dark nebula, makes Trifid a fantastic object to photograph. It get’s its name from it’s distinctive 3 dust lanes that run across the face of the nebula.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Trifid Nebula is a great visual target, and in dark skies, you’ll see a bright round area of the sky cris-crossed with dark stripes. Unfortunately those observing from city skies may struggle to resolve the same structure in the object.  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Trifid is an incredible smart telescope target, as it fit’s great within the field of view of almost all smart telescopes, and you’ll be able to observe not just the hydrogen alpha region of the nebula, but also the reflection nebula right along side it.  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Trifid nebula is also a very rewarding astrophotography target. It’s very easy to shoot, but the great thing about this target is that more than others, it really benefits from the extra exposure time you can give it, as you’ll start to reveal the full extent of the surrounding reflection nebula. We can’t rate this object highly enough. When and Where to see it You’ll find the Trifid nebula right next to the Lagoon nebula. It’s visible from 6pm onwards, but for the best views, when it’s at its highest in the sky look to observe between 730pm-8:30pm. To see the most detail, we suggest observing near the end of the month, when there’s less glare from the moon.    Lagoon Nebula (M8, NGC6523) Image credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA You may have already seen this object in the news recently thanks to the incredible images from the new Vera Ruben observatory. The Lagoon Nebula is a magnificent HII region that is one of the only two star forming nebula visible with the naked eye (in dark skies, sorry city people!). The bright stars within illuminate the dust around, creating ridges in a circle that mimic those of a lagoon pool, hence the name. In darker skies, a simple telescope or even a pair of binoculars will show off this nebula as a fuzzy patch of dust.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Lagoon nebula is probably the 2nd easiest Nebula to observe in the sky.  The most obvious feature of the Lagoon will be a dark band that runs along the brightest parts of the nebula. To get the most detail out of this object, we recommend a UHC filter.  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Lagoon Nebula is also a great Target for smart telescopes. You’ll be seeing incredible detail in no time at all, with all the rich colour of the object there to see.  Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great brilliant astrophotography target, the Lagoon Nebula is an easy target, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that means it’s still not impressive to shoot. This object is great to shoot if you’ve got a low focal length setup When and Where to see it You’ll find the Lagoon nebula in the bulge of the Milkyway in the constellation Sagittarius. It’s visible from 6pm onwards, but for the best views, when it’s at its highest in the sky look to observe between 730pm-8:30pm. To see the most detail, we suggest observing near the end of the month, when there’s less glare from the moon.     The Large Sagittarius Star Cluster Image credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA And finally, this is your reminder that it’s still milky way season, so you’ve still got plenty of time to go out and appreciate our Milky Way.   And while you’re out there, we recommend you take a look at one of its best features, the Sagittarius Star Cloud. Near the core of the milky way lies the Sagittarius Star Cloud, though its name is a little misleading, as it’s not a gathering of stars per se, but rather an opening in the dust band of the milky way, where the galactic dust doesn’t block the stars from the core, giving us a window to observe right into the core of our galaxy where it's richest in stars.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visually the Large Sagittarius star cloud is incredible, and is oh so good when you’ve got dark skies and a good pair of binoculars. It appears like an endless rich sea of stars, with some hints of galactic dust filaments framing it.  Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐ This object is just too large to fit in the field of view of almost all smart telescopes. Though you will get a frame rich with stars from edge to edge if you do try to image the area.  Astrophotography ⭐⭐ This is really more of a visual object rather than an astrophotography one, though widefield images of the region taken with a DSLR in dark skies will reveal vast wisps of galactic dust silhouetted against the glow of the stars behind. When and Where to see it You’ll find the Lagoon nebula in the bulge of the Milkyway in the constellation Sagittarius. It’s visible from 6pm onwards, but for the best views, when it’s at its highest in the sky look to observe between 730pm-8:30pm. To see the most detail, we suggest observing near the end of the month, when there’s less glare from the moon.   Honourable Mentions: Cats Paw Nebula (NGC6334) Image credit: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2 As the name suggests, Cat’s Paw nebula is the remnant of a supernova that takes the shape of a cats paw. Its bright red colour comes from the over abundance of hydrogen atoms, and the density of interstellar dust creates the three lobes that make up the bean toes of the cats paw. Cat’s Paw is high in the sky all month with 7:30pm-8:30pm being the best time to catch it.  Visual ⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ink Spot Nebula (B86) Image credit: ESO Sometimes with nebula it’s not about what you can see, it’s what you can’t. More specifically, the dark nebula known as the Ink Spot creates a void of cold gas in a patch of stars, blocking all light. Much like Cat’s Paw, Ink Spot is visible best between 7:30pm-8:30pm, as its sitting high in the sky before setting in the south west each night.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐ Bug Nebula (C69, NGC6302) Image credit: NASA, ESA and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team Despite only being in the honourable mentions, the Bug Nebula is a gorgeous planetary nebula, known best for its mimic of butterfly wings when photographed. In the centre sits the white dwarf responsible for the bipolar lobe structure of this nebula. You should be noticing a pattern for viewing times for these objects by now, as you’ll want to look at the Bug nebula at the same time as before; 7:30pm-8:30pm right above you.  Visual ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐   That's all for August folks! With the planets unable to steal the show for a while, we get to highlight some fantastic deep sky objects that will really blow you away. Don't forget to layer your clothes and bring a hot drink with you while observing, even if Australia is known for its heat, our chilly nights are no joke! On a final note, we want to remind people that our guide is just that, a guide! There is a whole universe to explore out there, and since no two people have the exact same set up, location or eyesight, it is always worth trying things for yourself. You never know what you might see! Clear Skies! The Team at Bintel.

Read up on what July’s best objects will be, because this month is packed with reasons to look up.  We’ve got write ups on 5 planets that can be observed this month, along with another 5 incredible deep sky targets. No matter your experience level, there will be something for you to observe, this month.

This isn’t just a list of objects—it’s a curated guide to help you get the most out of your time under the stars. You’ll find tips tailored for visual observing, smart telescope use, and astrophotography—whatever gear you’re using, there’s something here for you.

Welcome to Bintel's first edition of our new monthly sky guide for all Australian (and Kiwi) observers—a regular breakdown of what’s worth looking up for, no matter if you’re observing with a telescope, binoculars, or just your own eyes. Each month we'll highlight which planets are well placed and when to view them, standout deep sky targets for the month, and everything in between—from meteor showers to hidden lunar features. So without further ado, let's answer the question.... What's in the Sky? May offers a solid mix of events for astronomers, with activity across the solar system and beyond. The month starts strong with the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, one of the year’s better pre-dawn displays. Venus reaches greatest western elongation and shows off a crisp first quarter phase later in the month, while Saturn returns to the morning sky with its rings edge-on—a rare and striking sight. For deep sky observers, the Great Carina Nebula is ideally placed in the evening, along with several standout southern clusters that offer great views through the eyepiece and strong results for both smart telescope users and astrophotographers. Solar System: A May Meteor Shower, The Eta Aquarids: Kicking off the month is one of the year’s best meteor showers—the Eta Aquarids, peaking in the early hours of May 6th. Caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, this shower can produce up to 50 meteors per hour under dark skies. The best viewing is just before dawn, when Aquarius rises higher in the east. No telescope required—just a comfy spot and a clear view of the eastern sky. We recommend getting as far away as you can from light pollution to see the most meteors. Best viewed between 3-5 am. Lunar Features: Between 6-7pm from May 3rd–6th offers a good chance to observe Mare Australe, a lesser-seen lunar mare located near the Moon’s southeastern limb. This region is normally hidden from view, but becomes visible during periods of favorable libration—a slight oscillation in the Moon’s orientation caused by its tilted, elliptical orbit. Mare Australe is a large, irregularly shaped lava plain about 900 km wide. Unlike the more familiar, smooth maria on the near side, it's broken up by overlapping impact craters and surrounded by rugged highlands, giving it a fractured appearance. Because of its location near the limb, it’s often seen at a sharp angle, making surface detail harder to resolve. Best observed with a telescope, magnification between 80x-150x is ideal. Best viewed between 6:00 -7:00 pm. The Planets: The morning sky from Sydney at 5:30 am facing North East on May the 28th. Mars: In early May, Mars sits low on the northern horizon during twilight hours. While it’s now past opposition and noticeably dimmer than earlier in the year, it's still worth catching before it disappears from the evening sky. After a few months, Mars won’t return to a favourable viewing position until late 2026, making this one of your last chances to spot it for a while. Best viewed between 6:00 -7:00 pm. Saturn: From around May 28th, early risers will be rewarded with Saturn returning to the pre-dawn sky. This is a particularly special time to observe it—its iconic rings are currently edge-on, making them appear as a thin line or even briefly disappear from view entirely. This alignment only happens every 14–15 years, and while the ring plane will be edge-on again in November, May is the first time you'll be able to see the ring crossing this year. The planet’s shadow on the rings also vanishes, giving it an unusually flat and symmetrical look. Best viewed between 4:30 - 5:30 am. Neptune: Rising near Saturn before dawn, Neptune sits at magnitude +7.9 and requires a telescope to observe. In smaller scopes at medium magnification (70–100x), it appears as a tiny, faint bluish point—just bright enough to stand out from surrounding stars. In larger scopes, especially 8" and up, it resolves into a very small but distinct blue-grey disk with a clean, steady outline. Even without much visual detail, just spotting Neptune alone is impressive—you're looking at the most distant (major) planet in the solar system, over 4.3 billion kilometers away! Best viewed between 4:30 - 5:30 am. Venus: This month, Venus is moving toward its greatest western elongation (the point when Venus reaches its farthest distance from the Sun as seen from Earth, making it visible in the pre-dawn sky), making it an excellent time for early risers to spot the "Morning Star" in the pre-dawn sky, especially later in the month.  At the start of May, Venus will be in its waning crescent phase, with only a small portion of the planet illuminated as it nears the Sun. However, by the end of the month, as Venus reaches its greatest western elongation, it will transition into its first quarter phase, appearing as a striking half-illuminated disk—similar to how the Moon looks during its first quarter phase. With the Sun’s light coming from the side, half of Venus will be brightly lit while the other half remains in shadow, offering a stunning view through binoculars or a small telescope. Best viewed between 4:30 - 5:30 am.   Deep Sky: The Great Carina Nebula (NGC 3372): Photo by Chi Chan from our Bintel society Facebook group. Note the Gabriela Mistral nebula and Gem cluster also present in the top right. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   The Great Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) is easily one of the most spectacular deep sky objects visible from Australia—and a true Southern Hemisphere exclusive. It’s a massive star-forming region, around 7,500 light-years away, absolutely packed with glowing gas, dust lanes, and young, energetic stars. NGC 3372 is visible in telescopes of all apertures in dark skies, but observers in light-polluted areas will benefit massively from using a UHC (Ultra High Contrast) filter, like the Astronomik UHC Filter, which helps suppress city skyglow and enhances nebular contrast. With enough aperture—generally 6" and above—you’ll be able to make out the dramatic “V”-shaped dust lanes cutting across the glowing gas, a sight that’s hard to forget. For smart telescope users, one of the Carina Nebula’s greatest strengths—its sheer size—can also be its biggest challenge. It’s so expansive that it often exceeds the field of view of most smart scopes, making it tough to get the whole nebula in frame. Our recommendation is you can instead try to focus on specific areas of the Nebula, such as the infamous "Keyhole" just above the centre of the nebula. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Gabriela Mistral Nebula (NGC 3324): The famous photo of the "Cosmic Cliffs" of NGC 3324 by the James Webb (left) and a photo of the whole region by our very own Jarrod Rueff from our Bintel society Facebook group. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐ If the Carina Nebula is a bit too big to handle, the Gabriela Mistral Nebula (NGC 3324) makes a perfect alternative—especially for smart telescope users. Located on the northwestern edge of the Carina complex, this compact emission nebula gained worldwide attention after being featured in one of the first images released by the James Webb Space Telescope. Unlike its sprawling neighbour, this target fits almost perfectly within the field of view of the SeeStar S50, making it an ideal subject for compact smart scopes. If you're using the Dwarf 3 or SeeStar S30, you'll not only capture NGC 3324 itself, but also start to pick up traces of the Carina Nebula’s surrounding nebulosity bleeding into the frame—adding depth and context to your image. Make sure to enable your light pollution filter and you’ve got one of the best wide-field compositions the region has to offer. Visually, the nebulosity is very difficult to detect—even in larger scopes—but you can still enjoy the open star cluster embedded within the region. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Gem Cluster (NGC 3293): Photo by Glenn Baxter of the Gem Cluster (left) and Gabriel Mistral Nebula (right) from our Bintel photo competition submissions. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐ If the Gabriela Mistral Nebula leaves you wanting more through the eyepiece, don’t worry—just a short hop away lies the Gem Cluster (NGC 3293), and it's a visual delight. Discovered in the 1820s by James Dunlop at Parramatta Observatory, it’s one of several southern sky targets first catalogued right here in Australia. It’s a compact open cluster that stands out nicely even in smaller scopes. I’ve had it resolve well in a Celestron StarSense 70 using a Saxon Cielo HD 6.5mm, and it really came alive in an 10" Saxon Dob with a Bintel SuperView 15mm. For those using smart telescopes, you’ll be able to pick up a touch of faint Hydrogen Alpha nebulosity surrounding the cluster. It’s subtle, but adds a lovely context to this tight group of young stars, which are only around 10 million years old. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Southern Pleiades (IC 2602): A crop from my own image of the Carina region.   Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐ Another great target this month is the Southern Pleiades (IC 2602)—a brilliant open cluster that gives its northern cousin a real run for its money. It's bright enough to spot with the naked eye, even from suburban skies, showing up as a soft glow near the edge of the Carina constellation. Through binoculars or a wide-field scope, the cluster absolutely shines. Like the Gem Cluster, it’s another object first charted under Aussie skies, logged by James Dunlop in the 1820s from Parramatta. IC 2602 is best viewed at low magnification, making it a perfect fit for Binoculars (such as these Saxon 20 x 80s) and small telescopes like the Celestron StarSense 70 paired with your lowest-power eyepiece. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Wishing Well Cluster (NGC 3532): Photo by Jarrod Rueff from our Bintel society Facebook group. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐ I hope you're not clustered out, because NGC 3532—better known as the Wishing Well Cluster—is a real southern sky favourite. Getting it's name from it's resemblance to coins at the bottom of a well, it’s a rich open cluster with over 150 young, hot stars, sitting at around 1,300 light-years away, and absolutely stunning through the eyepiece. Even from suburban skies, the Wishing Well Cluster stands out beautifully, with its dense field of bright stars forming a clear, rich pattern. Through the eyepiece you’ll see dozens of stars scattered across the field. In darker skies, the full extent of the cluster really opens up, revealing even more stars, and the subtle colour variations—soft blues, golds, and a hint of red—become much more pronounced, adding real depth to the view. It’s another one of the standout objects first catalogued by James Dunlop in the 1820s from Parramatta, and it still earns its place as one of the best visual clusters in the sky. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038 and 4039): Photo by Simon Kidd from our Bintel society Facebook group. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐ For a real challenge this month, point your scope at the Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038 and 4039). Discovered by John Herschel in 1835 from the Cape of Good Hope, the Antennae are one of the most dramatic examples of galactic collision in the sky. They form a distinct heart shape, with long, faint tidal tails arcing outward as a result of their ongoing merger. Visually, this is a tough target. You'll need very dark skies and a telescope 12 inches or larger to make out more than a faint smudge. For most observers, this one is all about imaging. Smart telescopes can capture the Antennae, but expect to spend at least 30–60 minutes stacking just to begin pulling out the faint tidal tails. Shorter integrations will reveal the bright core, but the iconic structure takes time. This target really benefits from longer exposures, so this is a good opportunity to use the new Equatorial mode of the ZWO Seestars and the Dwarf 3. For astrophotography, this target is best suited to longer focal lengths. Best viewed between 7:30 - 8:30 pm.   Some Extra Highlights:   The Hand Cluster (NGC 3114) Image credit: Charles Pevsner.   Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐   NGC 3114 is a large, loose open cluster in Carina that’s best enjoyed with a wide-field eyepiece or binoculars. It’s bright, easy to spot from suburban skies, and scattered with blue-white stars set against a rich Milky Way background. While not as dense as other clusters in the region, its sheer size and brightness make it a lovely low-power target. Best viewed between 6:30 - 7:30 pm.   The Pearl Cluster (NGC 3766) Another crop from my own image of the Carina region.   Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐ The Pearl Cluster is a compact and striking open cluster in Centaurus. It’s packed with young, hot stars and looks great in small to mid-sized telescopes, even from suburban skies. A low-power eyepiece reveals a tight, slightly curved grouping with a few subtle hints of colour—an easy and rewarding visual target. Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   The Leo Triplet (M65, M66 and NGC 3628) Photo by Mike Geisel from our Bintel society Facebook group. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐   The Leo Triplet is a classic group of galaxies—M65, M66, and NGC 3628—grouped in a single field of view. It’s more of a northern hemisphere target, but still visible from Australia, rising midway up on the northern horizon. To observe them visually you'll need a large telescope and dark skies, otherwise, with some creative framing you'll be able to fit all 3 galaxies in the field of view of most smart telescopes. This triplet also serves as a great target for shorter focal length astrophotography set ups ordinarily not so suited for galaxy imaging. Best viewed between 7:30 - 8:30 pm.   The Running Chicken Nebula (IC 2944) Photo by Dom Henry from our Bintel society Facebook group. Suitability rating:  Visual ⭐⭐ Smart Telescopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Astrophotography ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   The Running Chicken Nebula (IC 2944) is an emission nebula in Centaurus, with little to see visually beyond the embedded star cluster. But it’s a great target for smart telescopes and wide-field imaging setups, which easily capture the extended nebulosity and dark Bok globules (small, dark pockets of dust silhouetted against the nebula itself). I'd probably rate this as one of the best smart telescope targets this month (as evidenced by Dom's shot with a Dwarf 3 above). Best viewed between 7:00 - 8:00 pm.   Moon Phases – May 2025 🌒 First Quarter – May 5th–6th 🌕 Full Moon – May 12th–13th 🌗 Last Quarter – May 20th–21st 🌑 New Moon – May 27th → The best time for deep sky observing and astrophotography. Image credit: Moon Connection Daily Moon Progression: May 1tst–4th – Waxing Crescent May 5th–6th – First Quarter May 7th–11th – Waxing Gibbous May 12th–13th – Full Moon May 14th–19th – Waning Gibbous May 20th–21st – Last Quarter May 22nd–26th – Waning Crescent May 27th – New Moon May 28th–31st – Waxing Crescent   That’s it for May’s sky highlights! With so much happening above us this month, we hope you find a moment to head outside and catch a few of these sights—and if you capture something great, don’t forget to share it with us! This is our first time putting together such an in-depth edition of What’s in the Sky, and we’d really like to hear your thoughts. Was the level of detail useful? Are there specific types of objects, events, or observing tips you’d like us to include in future editions? We’re aiming to make this guide as helpful and relevant as possible, so let us know what worked for you—and what didn’t.