Author Archives: Wayne McGraw

Epsilon Sagittae: A Warm Yellow and Pale Blue Double Star in Sagitta

On August 19, 1780, astronomer William Herschel discovered Epsilon Sagittae, a double star in the Sagitta constellation. It features a visible primary star with a magnitude of +5.7 and a fainter companion. Best viewed in summer, this pair showcases a golden-yellow and blue hue contrast for observers using binoculars or telescopes. Also known as SAO 105061, HD 185194, 4 Sagittae, Eps Sge, HIP 96516, HR 7463, H VI 26.

Messier 71 (NGC 6838): A Globular Cluster Close to Home

Globular clusters like Messier 71 (M71) make for great targets. With a pair of binoculars away from bright city lights, an observer can see M71 as a fuzzy patch. Move up to the telescope (say 4 inches in diameter and larger), and you can start to make out some individual stars. For a long time,ContinueContinue reading “Messier 71 (NGC 6838): A Globular Cluster Close to Home”

Struve 2742: A Challenging, Yet Rewarding Binary in Equuleus

Struve 2742 is a binary star in Equuleus, first noted in the 19th century. Best viewed in late summer and autumn, it features two stars 3 arcseconds apart, requiring at least a 6-inch telescope for a clear view. With magnitudes of +7.4 and +7.6, it’s a rewarding target for amateur astronomers. Article includes a drawing of the binary also known as SAO 126482, HD 200256, HIP 103813, 2 Equulei, Lam Equ, λ Equ

Epsilon Equulei (Struve 2737): A Quaint Star System of Yellow and Violet in Equuleus

The delicate and pretty magnitude 5 triple star Epsilon Equulei shines down from the constellation Equuleus on late summer and autumn nights. Learn more about this pretty star and see what it looks like through a backyard telescope.

Struve 2690 (15 Delphini): A Quaint Multiple Star System in the Dolphin’s Tail

15 Delphini, also known as Struve 2690, is a multiple-star system that is visible during late summer and autumn nights. Most observers will see a quaint pair of equally bright stars in the tail of the constellation Delphinus, but more star lurk nearby!