Tag Archives: Autumn

Struve 331: A Binary of White and Blue-Green in Perseus

Struve 331 (HD 18537) is an optical double star in the constellation Perseus, bet viewed in Autumn. The pair of stars feature a bright white primary and a secondary fainter star that’s blue. Backyard astronomers should be able to split the double easily with most scopes to find that the bright white contrasted against the blue star makes for a pretty enchanting pair.

This double is also known as STF 331 and SAO 23763.

Exploring Black Hole Cygnus X-1 and Its Companion Star

In my article on Cygnus X-1, I cover the black hole and its massive companion star, HDE 226868, along with how they interact through stellar winds. I’ve also included my own photos and clear illustrations to show exactly where the system is located in Cygnus. It’s a mix of science, observation, and practical stargazing guidance.

The Iris Nebula: A Flower Blooming in the Dark

Explore the stunning Iris Nebula (NGC 7023 or Caldwell 4), a breathtaking reflection nebula in Cepheus. Discover how the central star illuminates its dust and gas, creating a glowing blue celestial flower. See my sketch and Seestar S50 image to visualize what you can expect to see. Learn about its history, distance (1,300 light-years), and why astrophotographers cherish this beautiful autumn target.