61 Ophiuchi: A Nicely Resolvable Binary Star in Ophiuchus

The constellation Ophiuchus features the binary star 61 Ophiuchi, a bright pair visible through small telescopes. Discovered by Herschel in 1781, it is cataloged as STF 2202. The stars, classified as hot and white, exhibit an angular separation of 20.7 arcseconds, making them accessible and visually appealing to amateur astronomers. Also known as 61 Oph, Struve 2202, STF 2202, SAO 122690, HD 161270, HR 6609, HIP 86831

Lenses of Legacy: Great Telescopes that Opened Our Eyes to the Heavens

From Galileo’s first refractor to the mighty Hale Telescope, these ten historic telescopes reshaped how humans see the universe. Discover how Galileo’s spyglass revealed the moons of Jupiter, Herschel’s backyard telescope found Uranus, and the Hooker Telescope proved the universe is expanding. Explore the legacy of instruments that paved the way for modern astronomy and continue to inspire stargazers worldwide.

Messier 22 (NGC 6656): A Cosmic Heavyweight Just Off the Teapot

Messier 22 (M22) is a bright and nearby globular cluster in Sagittarius, notable for its unique features such as a planetary nebula and two black holes. Discovered by Abraham Ihle in 1665 and later cataloged by Charles Messier in 1764, M22 provides insights into the early Milky Way and is ideal for observation. Also known as NGC 6656.

Messier 17 (NGC 6618): The Enchanting Swan Nebula

In the vast expanse of our Milky Way galaxy, amidst a sea of stars, lies an ethereal celestial beauty known as Messier 17 (M17), or more commonly, the Swan Nebula. Named after its graceful swan-like appearance, this stellar nursery lies in the summer southern constellation of Sagittarius.

Struve 2007: Exploring the Colorful Double in Serpens

Struve 2007 (STF 2007) is a double star in Serpens Caput, first documented in 1823. The closer AB pair features a yellowish-white primary and a blue secondary, while an AC component forms a wider triple. It's visually appealing and accessible for telescopic observation, particularly noted for its striking colors and separation. Also known as SAO 101922, HD 144563, HIP 78873, STF 2007.

Struve 1931: Exploring the White Binary Star in Serpens

Struve 1931, situated in the Serpens constellation, is a binary star system ideal for mid-northern observations during spring and summer. With magnitudes of 7.2 and 8.0, it's visible through small telescopes. The primary is an F7V star, while the secondary is a G3V star, displaying a striking color contrast.

NGC 1758: A Hidden Gem in Taurus’ Starry Landscape

NGC 1758 is a lesser-known open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Discovered by William Herschel in 1785, it is approximately 700 million years old. Though not visible to the naked eye, it provides valuable insights into stellar evolution. Its proximity to NGC 1750 poses observational challenges.

NGC 253: A Starburst Galaxy in Sculptor

The Silver Coin Galaxy, or NGC 253, located 11.4 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor, is a prominent starburst galaxy notable for its intense star formation. Discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783, it captivates astronomers and stargazers alike, showcasing dynamic stellar activity and vibrant colors through advanced imaging techniques.