Autumn – Page 14 – The Garden Astronomer

8 Lacertae: Crystal Blue Persuasion

This multiple star system contains some pretty pale blue stars floating among the dim constellation of the Lacerta.

31 Cygni: A Trio of Orange, Blue, and White Stars

31 Cygni (Omicron Cygni) is a triple star system in Cygnus with large orange giants and blue companions, ideal for telescope observers in fall.

Eta Cassiopeiae (Achird): A Colorful Double Star in Cassiopeia

Eta Cassiopeiae, also known as Achird, is a double-star system in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s best viewed in autumn through early winter. What’s also notable is how close Achird is to us. Relatively, this double is very close at only 19 light-years away.

16 Cygni: A Double Dose of Yellow Stars in Cygnus

16 Cygni is a double star system in the constellation Cygnus. It’s best viewed in summer through early autumn. By the way, Cygnus is also known as the Northern Cross. 16 Cygni is the right-hand star in the cross. With a small telescope, you’ll be able to see this nice pair of sun-like stars. Known as SAO 31898.

NGC 7686: A Trapezoid-Looking Cluster in Andromeda

The NGC 7686 is an open star cluster in the constellation Andromeda with a buttery yellow star making its mark. It was discovered on December 3, 1787.

Messier 39 (NGC 7092): A Larger Cluster of Straggling Stars in Cygnus

This collection of around 30 stars is only 800-1000 light years away, closer to us than many star clusters. Due to its close proximity, it’s larger and spread across a region larger than the moon.

NGC 1027: Cassiopeia’s Open Cluster Near the Heart Nebula

Cassiopeia, a notable constellation in the Milky Way, contains the open star cluster NGC 1027, located approximately 3,400 light-years away. Although it may not attract as much attention as other celestial objects, it is accessible to backyard astronomers during autumn and winter evenings. NGC 1027 features a visual magnitude of +6.8. Also known as Cr 30 and IC 1824.

NGC 7510: An Arrow-like Open Cluster in Cepheus

NGC 7510 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cepheus. It’s best viewed during the autumn. Some say it looks like an arrow, while some call it the Lobster Claw cluster. I tend to see it as a firework sailing across the sky.