Observations Under Suburban Skies
Zeta Persei (ζ Persei) is a multiple-star system in the constellation Perseus. Backyard astronomers can enjoy this tight pair of stars on autumn and winter nights.
The supergiant, hot star burns 47,000 time that of our sun and is huge at 26 times the size of our sun!
It will eventually meets its fate exploding as a supernova.
HD 189751 is a variable and double star in the constellation Cygnus. The binary is also known as SAO 69238 and STT 394. It is a 7th magnitude star.
Sigma Cassiopeiae is a rewarding binary star to see in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Backyard astronomers will want to use higher power to separate the pair. This is a great double star to view on fall nights.
HD 919, also known as HIP 1124 or STTA 1, is a variable double star in the constellation Cepheus that warrants a look due to its pretty red color contrasted against a white secondary star.
HD 210884, also known as HIP 109474 or STF 2883, is a double star in the constellation Cepheus. It’s best viewed on autumn nights.
Discover Kappa Delphini in Delphinus—a fascinating triple star system with a bright primary and companions, perfect for summer backyard stargazing.
The variable star Delta Cephei lies in the constellation Cepheus and is a one of the most important and historical stars in astronomy. Delta Cep makes the basis for all Cepheids, which Henrietta Leavitt discoveed that their luminosities are directly related to their periods of pulsation. This led to our being able to measure greater distances starting when Edwin Hubble uncovered the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy after finding a Cepheid in the galaxy.
Eta Lyrae is both a variable and binary star in the constellation Lyra. The traditional name for the star is Aladfar, which is Arabic for the talons of a swooping eagle. You can view the binary from suburban skies with a smaller to medium sized telescope.