The comparison of winter’s 145 Canis Majoris and summer’s Albireo highlights their contrasting beauty, with 145 CMa’s warm orange-yellow primary and aqua secondary creating a stunning double star spectacle. Easily visible at a separation of 26.4 arcseconds, it remains a winter favorite for amateur astronomers seeking captivating celestial experiences. The double star is also known as 145 CMa, SAO 173349, HR 2764, HD 56577, HIP 35210.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
Epsilon Hydrae: A Tight Celestial Pair in the Serpent
Epsilon Hydrae is a notable binary star system in the constellation Hydra, discovered by Wilhelm Struve in 1825. The primary star orbits a close companion every 15 years, with a further distant companion observed through telescopes. Best viewed in spring, Epsilon Hydrae presents an engaging target for amateur astronomers. Also known as: SAO 117112, Eps Hya, 11 Hydrae, ε Hya, HD 74874, HIP 43109, HR 3482
17 Canis Majoris: Herschel’s Colorful “Treble” in Canis Major
17 Canis Majoris is a dim star located in the southern constellation of Canis Major, with a visible magnitude of +5.8 under dark sky conditions. Seeing 17 Canis Majoris up close unveils two nearby orange-colored stars of, creating an attractive triangle system. The system is also known as H V 65, 17 CMa, SAO 172569, HD 51055, HR 2588.
NGC 2353: Taking a Trip to Avery’s Island, a Star Cluster in Monoceros
The faint winter constellation Monoceros features a nice collection of star clusters and deep sky objects, including the famous Christmas Tree cluster and Avery’s Island, also known as NGC 2353. The cluster features more than 100 stars.
NGC 2169: A “37” Tattooed on Orion’s Outstretched Arm
High above Orion’s Nebula and belt lies the star cluster NGC 2169, affectionately known as the “37 Cluster.” This arrangement of stars earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the number 37 when viewed through a small telescope or binoculars. It’s also known as Collinder 83, XY Cluster, and the LE Cluster
Algol (Beta Persei): The Devilish Winking Star
In the constellation of Perseus, around 93 light-years away, lies Algol, also known as the “Demon Star.” It’s a binary system where a dimmer star eclipses the brighter one every 2.87 days, causing a noticeable change in brightness, creating a characteristic “blink” that has fascinated observers for centuries. The star is also known as Beta Persei, β Per, 26 Persei, HD 19356, HIP 14576, HR 936, and SAO 38592.
Nu 1 Canis Majoris: A Pretty Binary in Canis Major
Nu1 Canis Majoris (also known as ν1 Canis Majoris) is a fairly bright binary in the constellation Canis Major. The two pretty yellow stars are wide apart enough for backyard observers with modest scopes to see both stars. The double is also known as Nu1 CMa, SHJ 73, SAO 151694, HIP 31560, HR 2423, HD 47138, 6 Canis Majoris, ν1 CMa.
6 (Iota) Trianguli: A Bronze and Blue Binary in the Constellation Triangulum
Triangulum is a distinctive northern constellation best observed in autumn and winter, featuring the Messier 33 galaxy and notable double stars like 6 Trianguli. Discovered by William Hershel, this binary system consists of a primary G5 giant and a fainter F5 dwarf star. It is a quadruple system with spectroscopic binaries.
The Garden Astronomer 