... For denizens of planet Earth this Solstice marks the begining of Summer in the northern hemisphere and Winter in the south. Bright Galaxy M81 . ... Big and beautiful spiral galaxy M81, in the northern constellation Ursa Major, is one of the brightest galaxies visible in the skies of planet Earth. ... How can a round star make a square nebula? ... Previously, the waning Moon was best visible from all places on Earth during the early morning hours because it trailed the Sun. ...