Color-contrasting double stars are stunning celestial jewels, and 56 Herculis is one of them featuring the beautiful orange and teal contrasting colors. The binary belongs to the spring and summer constellation of Hercules. Learn more and see how the pair appears in the suburban telescope. Also known as STF 2110, SAO 84692, HD 152863, HR 6292, 56 Her, and HIP 82780.
Category Archives: Double/Multiple Stars
17 Canum Venaticorum: A Wide Pair of Pearly White Stars
The double white star 17 Canum Venaticorum lies in the spring northern constellation of Canes Venatici. The stars that make this nice double lie 275 arcseconds apart and lie 206 light years from Earth. The pair is also known as 17 CVn, STFA 24, SAO 63380, HD
114447, HR 4971, HIP 64246, 16 CVn.
HD 120164: An Orange and Yellowish Binary in Canes Venatici
Nestled in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici, Latin for “the Hunting Dogs,” the double star HD 120164 features an attractive orange giant paired with a dimmer yellow-white star. The binary is also known as SAO 63739 and HR 5186.
2 Canum Venaticorum: A Cherry Red Giant Double in Canes Venatici
Nestled in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici, Latin for “the Hunting Dogs,” the double star 2 Canum Venaticorum (also known as Struve 1622) offers a captivating sight for those who love double stars. Observers can catch this pair in the northern sky in the spring and early summer months near the more famous constellation Ursa Major. The double star is also known as SAO 44097, 2 CVn, STF 1622, HIP 59827, HD 106690, HR 4666.
52 Cygni: A Tight Double Star
While no one can deny the beauty of the Western Veil Nebula, 52 Cygni (Struve 2726) also provides a visual treat to backyard observers who like double stars. 52 Cygni also known as STF 2726, SAO 70467, HD 197912, HR 7942, 52 Cyg, HIP 102453.
Theta Cancri: A Gem in the Crab
Theta Cancri is a pretty double star in the spring constellation of Cancer. The primary star shines a pretty red-orange color. The star is also known as 31 CNC, SAO 97881, HD 72094, HIP 41822, HR 3357
145 Canis Majoris: Winter’s Beautiful Version of Albireo
The comparison of winter’s 145 Canis Majoris and summer’s Albireo highlights their contrasting beauty, with 145 CMa’s warm orange-yellow primary and aqua secondary creating a stunning double star spectacle. Easily visible at a separation of 26.4 arcseconds, it remains a winter favorite for amateur astronomers seeking captivating celestial experiences. The double star is also known as 145 CMa, SAO 173349, HR 2764, HD 56577, HIP 35210.
Epsilon Hydrae: A Tight Celestial Pair in the Serpent
Epsilon Hydrae is a notable binary star system in the constellation Hydra, discovered by Wilhelm Struve in 1825. The primary star orbits a close companion every 15 years, with a further distant companion observed through telescopes. Best viewed in spring, Epsilon Hydrae presents an engaging target for amateur astronomers. Also known as: SAO 117112, Eps Hya, 11 Hydrae, ε Hya, HD 74874, HIP 43109, HR 3482
The Garden Astronomer 