Zeta Cancri is a multiple star system in the constellation Cancer. It’s best viewed in the spring. For many years, astronomers believed Zeta Cancri to be a triple star system, though now it has been found to be a quadruple system. According to Jim Kaller, the close binary pair (known as Zeta Cancri A andContinueContinue reading “Zeta Cancri: A Multiple Star System in Cancer”
Category Archives: Double/Multiple Stars
Delta Geminorum (Wasat): A Star With a Unique History
Wasat is the primary star in a triple star system in the constellation Gemini. It’s best viewed in the winter. At magnitude +3.5, Wasat is not difficult to find under suburban skies. As you look at Wasat, you’re looking at a historical area of the night sky. In February 1930, Kansas farmboy-turned-astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discoveredContinueContinue reading “Delta Geminorum (Wasat): A Star With a Unique History”
Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars
With many competing targets in the Orion neighborhood, it may be easy to overlook notable double stars such as Rigel and Struve 747 (also known by HR 1887). Struve 747 is a 4th magnitude double star in Orion and a worthy target on any winter night. When observing the pair, you’ll notice they are prettyContinueContinue reading “Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars”
Rigel: Shine On, You Crazy Diamond
Rigel is one of the most popular stars in the sky as it marks the foot of thee constellation Orion. It is a blue-white supergiant star, and when you look at it closer, you’ll find a small companion star floating in Rigel’s glow.
118 Tauri: A Nice Double Star in Taurus
If you are sailing through Taurus with your telescope, be sure to stop by the blue-white star of 118 Tauri. With enough magnification, you’ll be able to see this is actually a double star, and it appears like a little animal with beady eyes is looking back at you. My Observations DateDecember 28, 2020Time8:10 p.m.LocationSeattle,ContinueContinue reading “118 Tauri: A Nice Double Star in Taurus”
Eta Cassiopeiae (Achird): A Colorful Double Star in Cassiopeia
Eta Cassiopeiae, also known as Achird, is a double-star system in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s best viewed in autumn through early winter. What’s also notable is how close Achird is to us. Relatively, this double is very close at only 19 light-years away.
16 Cygni: A Double Dose of Yellow Stars in Cygnus
16 Cygni is a double star system in the constellation Cygnus. It’s best viewed in summer through early autumn. By the way, Cygnus is also known as the Northern Cross. 16 Cygni is the right-hand star in the cross. With a small telescope, you’ll be able to see this nice pair of sun-like stars. Known as SAO 31898.
Almach: Binary Star Jewel in the Heavens
This pair truly rivals the stunning Alberio double! In fact, I may like this double even more. The color contrast showing through my scope tonight is remarkable.