NGC 7281, an open cluster in Cepheus, shines on autumn nights. Look for its 20+ stars, including three bright ones forming a helpful line for observers.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
NGC 7039: A Cluster in Cygnus’ Sea of Stars
NGC 7039 is an open cluster with close to 100 stars in Cygnus, making it a good target for backyard astronomers in the northern hemisphere in summer.
HD 189751 (SAO 69238): A Double Among a Colorful Stream in Cygnus
HD 189751 is a variable and double star in the constellation Cygnus. The binary is also known as SAO 69238 and STT 394. It is a 7th magnitude star.
Sigma Cassiopeiae: The “Smalt” Blue Jewel
Sigma Cassiopeiae is a rewarding binary star to see in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Backyard astronomers will want to use higher power to separate the pair. This is a great double star to view on fall nights.
NGC 6830: An Older Cluster Brings New Discoveries
Vulpecula’s NGC 6830 is an older cluster with about 50 dim stars and is located around 5,300 light years away. Though many of its residents are dim, the cluster contains a few brighter stars making this a good target for backyard astronomers with a small to middle size telescope.
HD 919: A Red Variable Double Star in Cepheus
HD 919, also known as HIP 1124 or STTA 1, is a variable double star in the constellation Cepheus that warrants a look due to its pretty red color contrasted against a white secondary star.
Struve 2883: A Pretty Contrasting Binary Star Cepheus
HD 210884, also known as HIP 109474 or STF 2883, is a double star in the constellation Cepheus. It’s best viewed on autumn nights.
Messier 32 (NGC 221): Le Gentil—A Galaxy in our Neighborhood
Messier 32 (M32, NGC 221), is a dwarf elliptical galaxy best viewed in the fall. It lies in the Andromeda constellation.
The Garden Astronomer 