Beta Cephei, known by its traditional name of Alfirk, makes its home in the fall constellation of Cepheus and is a multiple star system.
Regulus: Bright and Blue Heart of the Lion
Regulus, a bright blue and hot star of the spring and summer sky, makes its home in the constellation Leo.
Al Kurhah: An Attractive Multiple Star Belonging to a King
The star Xi Cephei, known by the name Kurhah or Al Kurhah, is a multiple star system in the constellation Cepheus. My observation shows a beautiful orange bright star with a pale white smaller star nearby. It's best viewed in autumn in the northern hemisphere and is a great target for backyard astronomers.
RS Ophiuchi: Star Erupts in the Summer Sky
Recurrent novae are rare. Luckily, we have RS Ophiuchi erupting every 20 years or so to remind us how special these stars are in the universe. In August 2021, the star erupted for the world, and me, to see.
Messier 16 (NGC 6611): The Eagle Nebula
As summertime begins in the northern hemisphere, Messier 16 (also known as the Eagle Nebula or Star Queen Nebula) comes on the scene. The popular Eagle Nebula s a diffuse emission nebula located in the constellation Serpens.
NGC 6885 (Caldwell 37): A Cluster with a Shining Star Center
NGC 6885, also known as Caldwell 37, is a star cluster in the constellation Vulpecula and best viewed in summer or early autumn.
70 Ophiuchi: A Colorful Double Star Close to Home
This is a must-see binary in the heat of summer. Not sure why, but as I enjoy viewing this pair, I think of multicolor ice popsicles.
Albireo: A Stunning Double Star of Indigo and Gold
Albireo is a celestial gem—a stunning double star due to the sharp contrast between its indigo and gold color.