More Milky Way

Following the Milky Way northward into Aquila and Cygnus, we see dark clouds of interstellar dust and gas silhouetted against the background glow of a spiral arm rich with stars. Some of these dark clouds are obvious in binoculars, but many can be seen with the unaided eye too. North of Cygnus's brightest star, Deneb, is a particularly obvious dark cloud running perpendicular to the Milky Way.

A good place to end your sweep of the galaxy we call home is with the magnificent Double Cluster in Perseus. In binoculars and telescopes alike, this is one impressive sight! Each of these clusters of young stars is about 70 light-years across. Both lie about 7,300 light-years away.

As you explore the sky, try to keep in mind the perspective of your view. You are seeing the inner workings of a galaxy. No other galaxy will offer you anything approaching the view you get of the Milky Way with just your eyes — even if you have your very own starship.