Stargazers Invited to Celestial Easter Egg Hunt

Binoculars, lawn chairs, and a night sky full of star clusters await adventurous skywatchers this spring.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:18am

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Amateur astronomer Mike Lynch is encouraging stargazers to grab their binoculars and embark on a celestial Easter egg hunt this season, highlighting several dazzling star clusters visible in the night sky that are perfect for beginner and experienced observers alike.

Why it matters

Star clusters offer a unique glimpse into the life cycle of stars, with young, vibrant clusters contrasting with older, more mature stellar groupings. Exploring these celestial wonders can deepen one's appreciation for the dynamic universe beyond our planet.

The details

Lynch recommends starting the hunt with the Pleiades, an open cluster of young stars just over 400 light-years away that looks stunning through binoculars. Nearby, the Double Cluster of Perseus is another showstopping target. More challenging clusters like M36, M37, and M38in the constellation Auriga will reward patient observers willing to scan the skies.

  • The Pleiades are visible in the low western sky at nightfall.
  • The Double Cluster of Perseus can be found in the low northwestern sky.
  • The Auriga star clusters are located about halfway from the western horizon to the overhead zenith in the evening.

The players

Mike Lynch

An amateur astronomer and retired broadcast meteorologist for WCCO Radio in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of 'Stars: a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations.'

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What they’re saying

“It's much better to have a smaller pair of binoculars that you can hold up while you're sitting back in a reclining lawn chair, so you can navigate the sky without getting tennis elbow.”

— Mike Lynch, Amateur Astronomer

What’s next

Lynch is available for private star parties to help guide stargazers through the night sky.

The takeaway

Exploring the night sky with binoculars offers a fun, accessible way to discover the wonders of star clusters and appreciate the dynamic universe beyond our own planet.