Rasalgethi (Alpha Herculis): Magnificent Red Supergiant with a Bluish Friend

You can view the multiple star system Rasalgethi from the city without the aid of binoculars or a telescope. As a star in the constellation Hercules, it is viewable in late spring through summer. This red supergiant lies 380 light years away from us with a radius 400 times larger than our own sun! AccordingContinue reading "Rasalgethi (Alpha Herculis): Magnificent Red Supergiant with a Bluish Friend"

Omicron Draconis (47 Draconis): Mercury’s North Star

Omicron Draconis, also known as 47 Draconis, is a double star in the constellation Draco. The primary star shines an orange/red hue. Also, let's pretend you are standing on the planet Mercury and not melting. The "north star" on Mercury is Omicron Draconis as it's the closest star to Mercury's north celestial pole. My ObservationsContinue reading "Omicron Draconis (47 Draconis): Mercury’s North Star"

Dziban (31 Draconis)

Dziban is a double star in constellation Draco. It's also know as 31 Draconis or Psi Draconis. The name Dziban is derived from Arabic "Adh-Dhi'ban," which means "the two wolves." This double is bright enough, and wide enough, to be viewed using binoculars. In 2015, astronomers discovered an exoplanet orbiting the secondary star (the dimmerContinue reading "Dziban (31 Draconis)"