Observations Under Suburban Skies
Struve 331 (HD 18537) is an optical double star in the constellation Perseus, bet viewed in Autumn. The pair of stars feature a bright white primary and a secondary fainter star that’s blue. Backyard astronomers should be able to split the double easily with most scopes to find that the bright white contrasted against the blue star makes for a pretty enchanting pair.
This double is also known as STF 331 and SAO 23763.
Otto Struve 525 (aka STT 525) is a triple-star system that features a golden primary (Star A) with two companions (stars B & C) in the constellation Lyra. The Star C is a pretty blue color. Also known as SAO 67566.
Discover Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), its rare discovery by SOHO’s SWAN instrument, and its close approach to Earth in October 2025.
Explore Chi Cygni, a variable red giant in Cygnus whose rhythmic brightening and fading reveal the life cycles of stars. Includes new astrophotography.
The Garden Astronomer website is an online diary of personal astronomical observations from suburban light polluted skies. It contains popular objects viewable without a large investment in equipments as most the targets can be seen using small to moderate-sized telescopes. This page also includes reflections from Wayne McGraw on his return to observing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In my article on Cygnus X-1, I cover the black hole and its massive companion star, HDE 226868, along with how they interact through stellar winds. I’ve also included my own photos and clear illustrations to show exactly where the system is located in Cygnus. It’s a mix of science, observation, and practical stargazing guidance.
Explore the open cluster NGC 6871 in Cygnus with my observing notes, sketch, and Seestar photo. I also highlight the fascinating Wolf–Rayet star WR 133.
Learn about Marsic (Kappa Herculis) and see how it looks through an 8-inch SCT scope when viewed from a suburban location. Marsic is an optical double star in the constellation Hercules and best viewed in summer.
The Garden Astronomer