Wayne McGraw

Comet 3I/ATLAS: Chasing an Interstellar Visitor at Christmas

Comet at center of image with bright coma

Explore Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar visitor, its discovery, scientific debate, and a quiet personal observation at year’s end.

NGC 663: A Star Cluster Known for its Massive Star Evolution

Explore NGC 663 (Caldwell 10), a rich open star cluster in Cassiopeia, ideal for studying massive stars and double stars.

Ursid Meteor Shower: The Mystery and History of December’s Shooting Stars

A reflective journey through the Ursid meteor shower, blending observations, modern astronomy, and December night skies.

HD 222872: An Uneven Double in Sculptor

HD 222872 is an uneven double star in Sculptor. Learn its magnitudes, separation, distance, and visual observing notes.

NGC 1360: Robin’s Egg Nebula in Fornax

Shows the blue Robin Egg Nebula to support the article.

Explore NGC 1360, the Robin’s Egg Nebula in Fornax, imaged with Seestar S50, revealing its faint oval shape and binary star heart in the night sky.

Geminid Meteor Shower: Tracing the Origins of the ‘Rock Comet’

Shows Geminids meteor trails over a winter pastoral scene in China, 2021.

The Geminids peak Dec 13–14, 2025! Learn the history behind the shower, viewing tips, and it unique colors.

HD 214599: Triple Star in Piscis Austrinus

An illustration of the double star system.

Explore HD 214599 in Piscis Austrinus, a triple star Herschel studied, with tips for spotting its subtle companions through a telescope. Also known as HR 8619.

Between Stars and Jingle Bells: Savannah’s Troup Square

Explore Savannah’s Troup Square, where a bronze armillary sphere meets history, James Lord Pierpont, and the story behind “Jingle Bells.”