Open clusters are local groupings of stars found inside our galaxy that sometimes form interesting shapes and patterns. Some, like the Pleiades and IC8148 shown above have nebular characteristics as well.

Globular clusters are densely packed spherical groupings of stars. Usually found outside the main plane of the galaxy, the stars are drawn together by mutual gravity and over time form a sphere.

Most clusters can be easily spotted from the city even with a small telescope. Lots are binocular-friendly as well. The sizes and shapes range all over the map and they are usually among the best things to start with when you first get a telescope.

To zoom in and around the images, you can get to the image viewer on the detail pages by selecting the image or by tapping the detail page button in each image panel.