Lyra, Aquila, Hercules, Sagittarius, Scorpius and Ophiuchus are within easy reach this month, packed with objects. Head over to the Scorpion to take in views of the Blue L Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592) and the Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334). Fans of tight-knit globular star clusters should turn their attention to Ophiuchus and Hercules, where they will be rewarded with sights of the extremely stellar-rich Messier 10, Messier 12, Messier 13, Messier 14 and Messier 92. Astrophotographers will get great enjoyment from the binary star system Rho Ophiuchi, which is surrounded with a red emission nebula and very impressive dust lanes. Cygnus is another gold mine, with the Veil Nebula, Fireworks Galaxy and the Crescent Nebula all excellent choices.
The Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592)