Tag Archives: Astronomy

Struve 2443: A Fine White Binary in Aquila

Backyard astronomers can spot the binary star Struve 2446 in the constellation Aquila during late summer and early autumn nights. Cataloged by Friedrich von Struve in 1825, the pair is visible under dark conditions. Struve 2446 A appears pale yellow while Struve 2446 B is fainter, offering a rewarding telescope experience. The pair are also cataloged as SAO 104432, HIP 93635, HD 177434, STF 2443, Struve 2443.

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.

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

NGC 2353: Taking a Trip to Avery’s Island, a Star Cluster in Monoceros

The faint winter constellation Monoceros features a nice collection of star clusters and deep sky objects, including the famous Christmas Tree cluster and Avery’s Island, also known as NGC 2353. The cluster features more than 100 stars.

NGC 2169: A “37” Tattooed on Orion’s Outstretched Arm

High above Orion’s Nebula and belt lies the star cluster NGC 2169, affectionately known as the “37 Cluster.” This arrangement of stars earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the number 37 when viewed through a small telescope or binoculars. It’s also known as Collinder 83, XY Cluster, and the LE Cluster

6 (Iota) Trianguli: A Bronze and Blue Binary in the Constellation Triangulum

Triangulum is a distinctive northern constellation best observed in autumn and winter, featuring the Messier 33 galaxy and notable double stars like 6 Trianguli. Discovered by William Hershel, this binary system consists of a primary G5 giant and a fainter F5 dwarf star. It is a quadruple system with spectroscopic binaries.

14 Aurigae (Struve 653): A Multiple Star System in Auriga

14 Aurigae, a prominent multi-star system in the Auriga constellation, features a bright primary star of +5 magnitude while the dimmer secondary appears blue. The stars are 286 light years away and separated by 14 arcseconds. As part of the Orion Spur in the Milky Way, 14 Aurigae provides insights into stellar evolution.