The constellation Draco features the double star Struve 2155, a notable yet subtle binary system situated about 600 light-years away. Comprising a bright yellow giant and a dimmer blue companion, this pairing offers a unique visual experience. Observers can appreciate the contrast and beauty of this hidden gem during summer evenings. Also known as: SAO 17410, HIP 84465, HD 156890, 4198-01479-1, BD+60 1742
Tag Archives: Astronomy
RY Draconis: One of Draco’s Crimson Carbon Stars
RY Draconis (RY Dra) is a carbon star in the Draco constellation, noted for its rich red hue and unique atmospheric processes. This variable star’s brightness fluctuates between magnitudes 6.0 and 8.0. It is best observed near Kappa Draconis, visible year-round from northern latitudes, making it a popular target for astronomers.
Struve 2793: A Serene Double Star in Equuleus
The constellation Equuleus, known as the Little Horse, features the intriguing triple star system Struve 2793, discovered by Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve in 1827. Despite its faintness, the system includes a bright primary star and a distant companion, offering rewarding views for patient astronomers during summer and early autumn.
Also cataloged as SAO 126783, HD 203943, HIP 105743, and STF 2793
August Nights Under the Perseid Meteor Shower
Each August night, the Perseid Meteor Shower turned our Denver street into a cathedral of stars. We’d sprawl on blankets, count meteors, and gaze at galaxies through a small telescope—moments that sparked a lifelong love of stargazing and amateur astronomy. August Nights is a journey through memory, friendship, and the timeless wonder of the summer sky.
61 Ophiuchi: A Nicely Resolvable Binary Star in Ophiuchus
The constellation Ophiuchus features the binary star 61 Ophiuchi, a bright pair visible through small telescopes. Discovered by Herschel in 1781, it is cataloged as STF 2202. The stars, classified as hot and white, exhibit an angular separation of 20.7 arcseconds, making them accessible and visually appealing to amateur astronomers. Also known as 61 Oph, Struve 2202, STF 2202, SAO 122690, HD 161270, HR 6609, HIP 86831
Lenses of Legacy: Great Telescopes that Opened Our Eyes to the Heavens
From Galileo’s first refractor to the mighty Hale Telescope, these ten historic telescopes reshaped how humans see the universe. Discover how Galileo’s spyglass revealed the moons of Jupiter, Herschel’s backyard telescope found Uranus, and the Hooker Telescope proved the universe is expanding. Explore the legacy of instruments that paved the way for modern astronomy and continue to inspire stargazers worldwide.
NGC 253: A Starburst Galaxy in Sculptor
The Silver Coin Galaxy, or NGC 253, located 11.4 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor, is a prominent starburst galaxy notable for its intense star formation. Discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783, it captivates astronomers and stargazers alike, showcasing dynamic stellar activity and vibrant colors through advanced imaging techniques.
A Hole in the Desert: My Trip to the Barringer Crater
Discover the Barringer Crater near Winslow, Arizona, where a 50,000-year-old meteorite impact created a nearly mile-wide natural wonder. From hiking the Crater Rim Trail to visiting the visitor center, this Arizona destination combines science, history, and breathtaking desert views for an unforgettable adventure.
The Garden Astronomer 