Tucked away in the Eagle’s wing, 57 Aquilae shines as a quiet pair of stellar companions. I spent some time at the eyepiece with this beautiful double star—here’s what I saw and why it left an impression.
Messier 52 (NGC 7654): A Small Scorpion in Cassiopeia
M52 is a condensed cluster of mostly faint stars sitting in the Milky Way sea of stars. This makes the object tougher to find.
Gamma Arietis (Mesarthim): An Icy Blue Double
Gamma Arietis is an icy-blue double star in the constellation Aries. The pair is best viewed in winter. At a magnitude of 3.86, urban stargazers will see the star with the naked eye.
Struve 79: A Delicate Pair in Andromeda’s Skies
Discover Struve 79, a fascinating binary star in Andromeda. Explore its colors, magnitudes, and observing tips for stargazers. Also known as SAO 36833 and 164 Andromeda.
Messier 80 (NGC 6093): A Stellar Beehive in Scorpius
Discover the beauty of Messier 80, a dense globular cluster near the Milky Way’s center, perfect for stargazers and amateur astronomers. Learn and see how M80 is viewed through a visual and electronic telescope such as Seestar S50.
Caldwell 56: The Haunting Skull Nebula in Cetus
The Skull Nebula, known as NGC 246 or Caldwell 56, resides in the constellation Cetus. Discovered by William Herschel in 1785, the planetary resembles a human skull due to gas distribution. It features a white dwarf and two companion stars. Though challenging to observe, it captivates astronomers, symbolizing change and the cosmos' enduring nature.
Gomeisa: The Shining Blue Jewel of Canis Minor
Gomeisa, or Beta Canis Minoris, is a striking blue-white B-type star located 170 light-years from Earth in Canis Minor. With a surface temperature over 11,000 Kelvin and a brightness of magnitude 2.9, it stands out near Procyon. Its rapid rotation and classification as a variable star add to its intrigue for astronomers.
HD 39881 (S 503): A Wide Double Star in Orion
Orion is a prominent winter constellation known for its bright stars, including Betelgeuse and the Orion Nebula, as well as double stars like S 503. This system, consisting of components A and B, offers viewing opportunities with binoculars and telescopes. Recent observations highlighted their visibility despite fading dawn light. Also known as SAO 95004, HD 39881, HR 2067, HIP 28066, BD+13 1036, GC 7469, 0728-03142-1
The Garden Astronomer 