Category Archives: Double/Multiple Stars

Struve 572: A Tight White Binary Star in Taurus

Struve 572 is a nice binary star in the constellation Taurus, the Bull, most prominent during winter evenings in the Northern Hemisphere. The pair were first observed by astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve in 1822. Modest backyard scopes should be able to split the two stars, which are only separated by 4.5 arcseconds. The double is also known as STF 572, SAO 76682, HR 1470, HD 29364.

41 Aurigae (Struve 845): A Lovely Pair with Debatable Color Differences in Auriga

41 Aurigae is a double star in the Auriga constellation, most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers report inconsistent colors for the stars, ranging from ‘blue and pale apricot’ to ‘silvery white and pale violet’. The author’s observations match with Smyth’s, stating the primary star appears silvery white with the secondary star slightly violet, or blue. Despite the contrasting reports, the pair’s brightness, proximity, and color disparity contribute to their appeal.

Struve 331: A Sparkling Binary Star of White and Icy Blue-Green in Perseus

Struve 331 (HD 18537) is an optical double star in the constellation Perseus, bet viewed in Autumn. The pair of stars feature a bright white primary and a secondary fainter star that’s blue. Backyard astronomers should be able to split the double easily with most scopes to find that the bright white contrasted against the blue star makes for a pretty enchanting pair.

This double is also known as STF 331 and SAO 23763.

Struve 2486 (HD 179558): A Buttery Binary in Cygnus

The binary system, Struve 2486, was first recorded in 1819 by astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve. It can be easily observed through most modest backyard telescopes. Both stars in this binary system are bright, yellow and have a similar magnitude.. Also known as HD 179558 and SAO 48192 and HR 7293.

Struve 2470 and 2474: Lyra’s Other Entrancing Double Double

During summertime and autumn, Struve 2470 and 2474 make for an entrancing sight in the night sky. These two double-star systems are located close to each other and appear parallel due to their orientation. These four stars can appear in the eyepiece together, making for a beautiful harmony in the cosmos. Also known as SAO 67870 and SAO 67875.

Struve 2540 (HD 184360): A Tight Pair Near the Coat Hanger Asterism

Struve 2540 (HD 184360) is a triple star system in the constellation Vulpecula. The stars lie in the popular Brocchi’s Cluster, nicknamed the Coat Hanger.

STF 2540 may be a tight pair to view under light-polluted stars, but astronomers will appeciate the view as the double floats among a pretty background of faint stars.