A tour of the constellations

This striking constellation scores points with its galaxies; they even come in packs of three. And its brightest star, Regulus, rotates faster than any other.

No group of stars is as well-known as the Big Dipper. It belongs to Ursa Major, is part of a star cluster, and has galaxies on board.

This constellation may seem rather unimpressive. But this makes the whirlpool galaxy M51 all the more spectacular; a collision of galaxies seen from above.

This constellation lies far to the south, and its proximity to the Milky Way ensures beautiful star clusters, including the southernmost Messier object M7.

The constellation is inconspicuous, but there are seven Messier globular clusters to be seen, among them the bright pair M10 and M12.

The distinctive Hercules trapezium is home to a real show-piece: Messier 13, the most beautiful globular cluster in the northern sky.

The small but bright summer constellation is famous for the Ring Nebula M57 and the "Double Double star" Epsilon Lyrae.

Two small constellations, three great objects: planetary nebula M27, globular cluster M71 and the Coathanger Cr 399.

The prominent summer constellation includes Albireo, the most beautiful binary star, and large, challenging nebulae.

The striking Great Square of Pegasus reveals a globular cluster if you are observing from an urban setting, or a great galaxy quintet under dark skies.

This W-shaped constellation is located in the middle of the Milky Way and beckons with exotic giant stars and bright star clusters, all of which are also visible with binoculars.

Besides faint galaxies, Aries displays one of the first double stars discovered with a telescope. A classic for beginners!

A prominent meteor shower every August, the double cluster "h & chi" and the famous variable star Algol.

Adorning the constellation of Taurus are two neighbouring and eye-catching open star clusters, and the Messier catalogue’s only supernova remnant.

Auriga is home to Capella, the third-brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere, and to a beautiful trio of bright star clusters.

The most beautiful winter constellation, distinctive and unmistakable. And the Orion Nebula is the most impressive deep sky object there is.

The open cluster Messier 35 and the Eskimo Nebula are all the proof you need: Gemini has a soft spot for deep sky fans.

Discover why gleaming Sirius was both a good and a bad omen for people in ancient times.