38 Geminorum is a 4th magnitude binary star in the Gemini constellation best viewed on winter nights. Backyard astronomers under suburban skies should be able to split this nice orange and light blue pair with any scope or binoculars. Also designated as STF 982 and SEO 96265.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
Struve 1108: A Double of Yellow and Blue with Caldwell 39 Nearby
Overview of double star Struve 1108, STF 1108, as viewed through an 8-inch SCT scope under suburban skies. This is a double star of gold and blue colors in constellation Gemini. The pair lie 11.7 arcseconds apart and make for a good double star target with a smaller scope.
The Green Comet of 2023 (C/2022 E3 ZTF)
Just when I thought it would be many years for another bright comet to appear after 2020’s Neowise, Comet ZTF arrived on the scene in early 2023. The comet is known as C/2022 E3 ZTF.
Chi Tauri: A Double with Deep Purple Secondary
Chi Tauri is a pretty white-dark blue double star in the winter constellation Taurus. The secondary component, a yellow G2 class, actually looks purple!
Messier 36 (NGC 1960): A Pinwheel of Stars
Messier 36, nicknamed the Pinwheel Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It is best viewed in winter through early spring. Approximately 60 stars make up the cluster, with many of the brightest stars making straggling lines or chains streaming from the center.
Phi Tauri: Double Star of Gold and Blue
Phi Tauri, also known as Phi Tau or 52 Tau, appears in the constellation Taurus and is best viewed on winter nights. This optical double star features a bright golden primary star with a blue companion, which make a great target with a telescope or binoculars.
Struve 872: A Mystical Pair of Yellow and Lilac
Struve 872, also known as STF 872, is a double star in the constellation of Auriga and best viewed in winter. It’s often listed in top 100 charts of attractive doubles, most likely due to its pink and light yellow colors. Also known as SAO 58905.
Psi5 Aurigae (56 Aur): A Yellow and Deep Dark Blue Pair
Psi5 Aurigae, also known as 56 Aur, is an attractive multiple-color double star in the Auriga constellation, best viewed on winter nights. The pair is bright and features a bright yellow star near a dark deep blue star. Also cataloged as SAO 41330.
The Garden Astronomer 