Backyard astronomers will appreciate Messier 11’s bright magnitude, which allows this “cloud” of more than 2,900 stars to be viewable under good conditions. Also known as the Wild Duck Cluster and NGC 6705.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
NGC 6356: A Small Globular Cluster with Bright Center in Ophiuchus
NGC 6356 is a globular cluster located a stunning 50,000 light-years away from Earth. This smaller, dense globular is best viewed on summer nights in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Messier 9 (NGC 6333): Globular Cluster Near the Heart of the Galaxy
Messier 9 (NGC 6333) lies lower in the southern skies on summer nights in the constellation Ophiuchus. M9 is a globular cluster near the center of a galaxy and enjoyable summer target.
Nu Serpentis: A White Double Star in Serpens
Nu Serpentis is a double star in the summer constellation Serpens also known as 53 Ser and HD 156928 or SAO 160479.
UX Draconis: A Rich Orange-Colored Carbon Star in the Snake
VY Ursae Majoris (VY UMa) is a red hypergiant and popular carbon star located in the constellation Ursa Major. Best viewed in the springtime.
Mu Herculis: A Nearby Star Like Ours with a Ruby Companion
Mu Herculis, also known as μ Herculis or Struve 2220, is a star system only 27 light-years away from Earth shining down from the constellation Hercules. This summer binary features a yellow star like our sun and a red dwarf.
Beta Lyrae (Sheliak): A Fast Star Dance in Lyra
The eclipsing binary of Beta Lyrae features two stars orbiting each other every 12.9 days!
Zeta Lyrae: Often Overlooked Pair of Stars in Lyra
Zeta Lyrae is a multiple star system in the constellation Lyra best viewed in summer and early autumn. The double star is easily viewed with any optical aid since the stars are bright and lie 44 arcseconds apart.
The Garden Astronomer 