Wayne McGraw

Hyades: The Closest Star Cluster to Earth and Face of Taurus

Hyades is an open star cluster in the constellation of Taurus. It’s best viewed in winter through early spring. Observers should be able to see Hyades from most locations with the unaided eye. At only 150 light years from earth, Hyades is the closest star cluster to earth. My Observations December 28, 2020 | 7:53ContinueContinue reading “Hyades: The Closest Star Cluster to Earth and Face of Taurus”

Eta Cassiopeiae (Achird): A Colorful Double Star in Cassiopeia

Eta Cassiopeiae, also known as Achird, is a double-star system in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s best viewed in autumn through early winter. What’s also notable is how close Achird is to us. Relatively, this double is very close at only 19 light-years away.

16 Cygni: A Double Dose of Yellow Stars in Cygnus

16 Cygni is a double star system in the constellation Cygnus. It’s best viewed in summer through early autumn. By the way, Cygnus is also known as the Northern Cross. 16 Cygni is the right-hand star in the cross. With a small telescope, you’ll be able to see this nice pair of sun-like stars. Known as SAO 31898.

NGC 7686: A Trapezoid-Looking Cluster in Andromeda

The NGC 7686 is an open star cluster in the constellation Andromeda with a buttery yellow star making its mark. It was discovered on December 3, 1787.

Messier 39 (NGC 7092): A Larger Cluster of Straggling Stars in Cygnus

This collection of around 30 stars is only 800-1000 light years away, closer to us than many star clusters. Due to its close proximity, it’s larger and spread across a region larger than the moon.

NGC 1027: Cassiopeia’s Open Cluster Near the Heart Nebula

Cassiopeia, a notable constellation in the Milky Way, contains the open star cluster NGC 1027, located approximately 3,400 light-years away. Although it may not attract as much attention as other celestial objects, it is accessible to backyard astronomers during autumn and winter evenings. NGC 1027 features a visual magnitude of +6.8. Also known as Cr 30 and IC 1824.

NGC 7510: An Arrow-like Open Cluster in Cepheus

NGC 7510 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cepheus. It’s best viewed during the autumn. Some say it looks like an arrow, while some call it the Lobster Claw cluster. I tend to see it as a firework sailing across the sky.

NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga

NGC 2281 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It’s best viewed during the late winter months into early spring. You see the central stars make a diamond shape. Also, one will notice a mix of red and blue stars, which makes this relatively unknown cluster of 30-40 stars a worthy find.ContinueContinue reading “NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga”