m Persei, also known as 57 Per, appears in the constellation Perseus and is best viewed on autumn or winter nights. It’s a wide, bright double star easily viewable from the suburbs with a telescope or binoculars.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
Omega Aurigae: A Close Yellow & Orange Double Star
Omega Aurigae is both a variable and double star in the Auriga constellation best viewed on winter nights. It has a faint and close secondary star, but the pair are viewable with a modest telescope from the suburbs.
Through the Skylight
A backyard astronomer is reminded of the old adage “keep looking up,” even when clouds blanket the rich winter skies in the Pacific Northwest.
NGC 559 (Caldwell 8): A Small Flying V Cluster in Cassiopeia
NGC 559, also known as Caldwall 8, is a small, dim cluster in the constellation Cassiopeia. The cluster features 6-8 brighter stars, but at a total
NGC 7635 (Caldwell 11): The Bubble Nebula
NGC 7635, also known as Caldwell 11 and the Bubble Nebula, is a beautiful emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia, which is best viewed in autumn. From my backyard, I’m able to sketch the very faint nebula as a small smudge.
12 Lacertae: Crystal Blue Double
Discover 12 Lacertae, a crystal blue double star in Lacerta. The primary is a Beta Cephei variable (mag 5.16-5.28). Observations & key stats!
NGC 40: The Bow-Tie Nebula
NGC 40, also known as the Bow Tie nebula, is a somewhat dim planetary nebula in the Cepheus constellation. It’s a good target for the casual backyard observer with a moderate telescope.
Struve 3050: A Tight Pair of Stars in Andromeda
Struve 3050 is a 6th magnitude binary star in the Andromeda constellation best viewed on autumn nights. It is a beautiful, tight pair of equally bright light golden stars.
The Garden Astronomer 