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.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
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.
Struve 1904: A Nice Double Star in Virgo
The author explores the galaxies in the Virgo constellation, focusing on the double star STF 1904, discovered by Friedrich Struve in 1823. Comprising a subgiant primary and a main-sequence secondary star, they are 247 light years from Earth. Observations made in Seattle reveal their distinct separation and brightness.
Also known as: SAO 120822, HD 133408, HR 5610, HIP 73716, STF 1904
The Garden Astronomer 