Discover Kappa Delphini in Delphinus—a fascinating triple star system with a bright primary and companions, perfect for summer backyard stargazing.
Author Archives: Wayne McGraw
NGC 7331 (Caldwell 30): The Milky Way’s Twin
NGC 7331, also known as Caldwell 30, is a non-barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Pegasus, best viewed during autumn. One can make out the distant cousin as a smudge in smaller scopes.
NGC 7662: The Blue Snowball Nebula
NGC 7662, also known as the blue snowball nebula, is a bright planetary nebula in the andromeda constellation. It’s a good target for the casual backyard observer with a small telescope as it breaks through the light pollution pretty well for a nebula.
Delta Cephei: Astronomy’s Royal Gem Fit for a King
The variable star Delta Cephei lies in the constellation Cepheus and is a one of the most important and historical stars in astronomy. Delta Cep makes the basis for all Cepheids, which Henrietta Leavitt discoveed that their luminosities are directly related to their periods of pulsation. This led to our being able to measure greater distances starting when Edwin Hubble uncovered the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy after finding a Cepheid in the galaxy.
NGC 7009: The Saturn Nebula
The Saturn Nebula, also known as Caldwell 55, is a planetary nebula viewable in the northern night sky in autumn in constellation Aquarius. Even though dim nebulas like NGC 7009 can be challenging to view in suburban backyards because of light pollution, astronomers should not loose heart. This nebula is pretty easy to spot on a moonless night with a smaller telescope. It will appear light-blue or green and as a small smudge in the scope.
Eta Lyrae (Aladfar): A Massive, Luminous Binary Star
Eta Lyrae is both a variable and binary star in the constellation Lyra. The traditional name for the star is Aladfar, which is Arabic for the talons of a swooping eagle. You can view the binary from suburban skies with a smaller to medium sized telescope.
Messier 26 (NGC 6694): The Cluster with a Little Hole
Messier 26 (NGC 6694) is an open cluster found in the constellation Scutum. It is best viewed in the summer in the northern hemisphere. Messier 26 is a fainter grouping of around 30 stars.
NGC 6543: A Cat’s Eye Looks Down at You
NGC 6543, also known as the Cat’s Eye Nebula, looks down from the constellation Draco in late summer skies. A dying star makes this beautiful object.
The Garden Astronomer 