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Answer: Comets

Officially designated 2P/Encke, this comet has the shortest orbital period of any known comet, completing a trip around the Sun every 3.3 years. While it was originally discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1786, it bears the name of German astronomer Johann Franz Encke, who calculated its orbit in 1819.

Answer: Comets

Comet Hale-Bopp, with the designation C/1995 O1, carries its hyphenated name because of the two astronomers who discovered it almost simultaneously. Both Americans, Alan Hale (professional astronomer) and Thomas Bopp (amateur astronomer) both observed this bright comet on July 23rd, 1995, but it wasn't long before it was visible to everyone.

In mid-1996, Hale-Bopp became visible to the naked eye, and remained that way for a year and a half! But don't hold your breath on seeing it again, as it isn't expected to return until the year 4385.

Answer: Comets

Just as with Hale-Bopp, comet Swift-Tuttle (officially designated 109P/Swift-Tuttle) carries a hyphenated name to honour the two astronomers who independently discovered it in July of 1862. More recently, it reached perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) in 1992, but with an orbital period of approximately 133 years, chances are slim that many of us will be around to witness its return in the year 2126.

Answer: Nebulae

With the dual designations of NGC 6543 and Caldwell 6, the Cat's Eye Nebula is found in the constellation Draco in the northern hemisphere. First discovered by William Herschel in February of 1786, this planetary nebula is striking in its beauty and complexity.

At a distance of approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth, the Cat's Eye Nebula has an apparent magnitude of 8.1, which makes it relatively bright and observable with a small telescope.

Answer: Nebulae

The Eagle Nebula, located within the constellation Serpens in the northern hemisphere, has the designations of NGC 6611 and M16. Also known as the 'Pillars of Creation,' it has dense and dark columns of dust and gas, as seen in the beautifully captured photo by the Hubble telescope. Located approximately 7,000 light-years from Earth, this stunning nebula was discovered in 1920 by John Charles Duncan.

Answer: Nebulae

The Helix Nebula is designated both NGC 7293 and Caldwell 63, and was discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding in the early 1820s. Sometimes called 'The Eye of God' due to its resemblance to an giant eye, it is relatively close to Earth at a distance of a mere 650 light-years. It can be found in the constellation Aquarius.

Answer: Stars

Located within the northern constellation Perseus and designated Beta Persei, Algol has the colloquial name of the 'Demon Star.' In fact, its name Algol comes from the Arabic term 'Ras al-Ghul,' which means 'Head of the Demon.' Located approximately 93 light-years from Earth, Algol is actually a three-star system, which causes a variation in apparent magnitude as the different bodies pass in front of one another.

Answer: Stars

Betelgeuse, designated Alpha Orionis, is a red supergiant within the constellation Orion (at the shoulder), and one of the most luminous stars that can be seen with the naked eye. Located about 642 light-years from Earth, Betelgeuse is expected to become a supernova within the next million years, meaning it is near the end of its life.

Answer: Stars

Designated Alpha Lyrae, Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, as well as being part of the Summer Triangle asterism. With an apparent magnitude of 0.03, it is the 5th-brightest star we can see, and is only 25 light-years from Earth.

Answer: Constellations

The constellation Cassiopeia is easily recognizable for its W or M shape (depending on how you see it), formed by five bright stars. Found in the northern hemisphere and visible all year round, Cassiopeia was named for Queen Cassiopeia of Greek mythology, who was the mother of Andromeda.

Answer: Constellations

The constellation Hydra can be found between Cancer (to the east) and Libra (to the west), and while relatively faint, is the largest constellation in our night sky. Named for the beast that Hercules had to defeat as part of his twelve labors, this constellation is best seen in the northern hemisphere's spring.

Answer: Constellations

Also known as the Wolf, the constellation Lupus can be found between the constellations Scorpius and Centaurus. While it visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres at different times of the year, it is best seen in May and June from the southern hemisphere.

Answer: Galaxies

Designated NGC 3034 and M82, the Cigar Galaxy is located roughly 12 million light-years away and can be found within the constellation Ursa Major. Its descriptive name comes from its elongated shape and prominent dust lanes. With a high rate of star formation, the Cigar Galaxy is an example of a starburst galaxy, which means that it is growing at about five times the rate of our own Milky Way Galaxy.

Answer: Galaxies

Known as NGC 4594 and M104, the Sombrero Galaxy is a spiral galaxy visible within the constellation Virgo. As you probably guessed, it earned its name due to its resemblance to the sombrero hat. It is estimated to be about 50,000 light-years in diameter, and approximately 31 million light-years from Earth.

Answer: Galaxies

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as NGC 5194 and M51, is a spiral galaxy located about 23 million light-years from Earth. Visible within the constellation Canes Venatici, the Whirlpool Galaxy has a classic spiral shape that is complicated by a smaller companion galaxy that looks as though it is connected to one of the spiral arms.