In the constellation of Perseus, around 93 light-years away, lies Algol, also known as the “Demon Star.” It’s a binary system where a dimmer star eclipses the brighter one every 2.87 days, causing a noticeable change in brightness, creating a characteristic “blink” that has fascinated observers for centuries. The star is also known as Beta Persei, β Per, 26 Persei, HD 19356, HIP 14576, HR 936, and SAO 38592.
Category Archives: Notable Stars
VX Andromedae: A Burgundy Carbon Star in Andromeda
VX Andromedae is a carbon star with a middle red hue. One can view it best on autumn nights as it lies in the constellation Andromeda. It’s also known as HD 1456.
WZ Cassiopeiae: A Scarlett Variable Double Star in Cassiopeia
WZ Cas, known as WZ Cassiopeiae, shines at a variable magnitude between 6.3 and 8.8. It’s classified as a C-N7 III star. It is a red-colored carbon star in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s also known as SAO 21002, HIP 99, HD 224855.
UX Draconis: A Rich Orange-Colored Carbon Star in the Snake
VY Ursae Majoris (VY UMa) is a red hypergiant and popular carbon star located in the constellation Ursa Major. Best viewed in the springtime.
The Sun: Our Powerhouse
Our Sun, situated at the center of our solar system, serves as the gravitational anchor around which Earth and other celestial bodies revolve. Right now it is experiencing great solar activity.
VY Ursae Majoris: A Beautiful Carbon Star in Ursa Major
VY Ursae Majoris (VY UMa) is a red hypergiant and popular carbon star located in the constellation Ursa Major. Best viewed in the springtime.
SS Virginis: An Orange-Red Variable and Carbon Star in Virgo
SS Virginis (SS Vir) is a Mira variable and carbon star located in the constellation Virgo, best viewed in springtime. It pulsated over a period of 361 days.
Delta Cephei: Astronomy’s Royal Gem Fit for a King
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.
La Superba: One of the Reddest Stars in the Sky
One night La Superba appeared randomly on my astronomy app while I navigated the springtime sky. I stared at the map for a moment, scratched my head, and believed the name to be a mistake. I pressed the information icon by the reddish pixel to reveal a summary of La Superba, including the fact thatContinueContinue reading “La Superba: One of the Reddest Stars in the Sky”
Zeta Cephei: Warm Red Supergiant in Cepheus
Zeta Cephei is a red-orange supergiant star in the constellation of Cepheus.
The Garden Astronomer 