Conjunction: Moon, Jupiter, Elnath; Beehive Cluster (M44), Mars, Pollux & Castor
Constellations: Auriga, Leo, Gemini
Asterisms: Big Dipper
Clusters: NGC3628, NGC3593, IC677
Messier: M66
Location: Home
Date: 2025-04-30
Time: 9:00 - 9:45 PM ADT
Equipment: Canon 10x42 IS binoculars
S&T Chart Reference: 12 (Auriga), 24 (Cancer), 34-35 (Leo)
Unfortunately, I made no notes regarding observing conditions. However, I at least sketched what I observed.
|
Time: 9:02 PM ADT The thin crescent was seen adjacent to Elnath (a star in Auriga). Not too far away was Jupiter. A nice trio. |
 |
|
Time: 9:18 PM ADT Sirius was 9° above the horizon. Time to view the conjunction in Cancer. The Beehive Nebula (M44) was between a star in Cancer (Asellus Australis) and Mars. The red Mars was between the M44 and Pollux. Castor was easily identified as well. Mars was easy to find and stood out beautifully from the open cluster. |
 |
|
Time: 9:38 PM ADT The Big Dipper was at the zenith. Leo was to its south. I love to find Denebola (Leo's tail) after identifying the reverse sickle. Below Chertan, I believe I was able to identify the Triplet (NGC 3628, M66, M65) along with NGC 3593 and IC 677. |
 |
