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.
Tag Archives: Autumn
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.
Uranus: On Seeing the Planet for the First Time
There it was—Uranus—no longer a point of light but a small disc colored pale green. It seemed to float among the dim stars.
Almach: Binary Star Jewel in the Heavens
This pair truly rivals the stunning Alberio double! In fact, I may like this double even more. The color contrast showing through my scope tonight is remarkable.
IC 1396: The Elephant Trunk Nebula in Cepheus
IC 1396 is an open star cluster in the constellation Cepheus, which is part of large emission nebula in the region. It’s best viewed during the autumn. The region makes for stunning astrophotography as demonstrated by this photo posted on NASA’s site. Struve 2816 (a triple star system) and Struve 2819 (a double star systemContinueContinue reading “IC 1396: The Elephant Trunk Nebula in Cepheus”
Gamma Delphini: A Pretty Double Star in Delphinus
Gamma Delphini is a double star system in the constellation Delphinus. It’s best viewed in summer and early autumn. While not as famous or startling as the double star Albireo, Gamma Delphini is a worthy binary not to be missed, as the double stars Gamma-1 and Gamma-2 make a colorful pair. In my case, IContinueContinue reading “Gamma Delphini: A Pretty Double Star in Delphinus”
NGC 225: A Sailboat Sailing Through Cassiopeia
NGC 225 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It’s sometimes referred to as the Sailboat Cluster, as the stars make out a sailboat shape at wider magnifications.
Messier 31 (NGC 224): That’s No Nebula! That’s a Galaxy! Welcome to Andromeda
Andromeda is the most distant thing humans can see with the unaided eye. Also, it’s of great historical significance for helping astronomers understand the grand scheme of the universe.