Explore the bright orange star Schedar (α Cassiopeiae) in Cassiopeia. Discover its key facts, visual companions, and a personal observation guide for amateur astronomers. Also known as Alpha Cass and SAO 21609, α Cas, HIP 3179, HR 168, HD 3712, 18 Cas, GC 792
Tag Archives: Autumn
Ankaa: The Ember in Phoenix
Discover Ankaa, a warm orange giant star in Phoenix. See where to find it, its history, and why it shines as a hidden gem of the southern sky.
Fomalhaut: The Lonely Star of Autumn Skies
Learn how to find Fomalhaut, the Lonely Star of Autumn, and uncover its planetary disk and astronomy details for stargazers.
57 Aquilae: A Light Topaz Blue Double
Tucked away in the Eagle’s wing, 57 Aquilae shines as a quiet pair of stellar companions. I spent some time at the eyepiece with this beautiful double star—here’s what I saw and why it left an impression.
Struve 79: A Delicate Pair in Andromeda’s Skies
Discover Struve 79, a fascinating binary star in Andromeda. Explore its colors, magnitudes, and observing tips for stargazers. Also known as SAO 36833 and 164 Andromeda.
Caldwell 56: The Haunting Skull Nebula in Cetus
The Skull Nebula, known as NGC 246 or Caldwell 56, resides in the constellation Cetus. Discovered by William Herschel in 1785, the planetary resembles a human skull due to gas distribution. It features a white dwarf and two companion stars. Though challenging to observe, it captivates astronomers, symbolizing change and the cosmos’ enduring nature.
NGC 457: The Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia
An owl hides out in Cassiopeia, so on autumn and winter nights, turn your scope toward the constellation and look for cluster and its two bright stars that make up the eyes.
WZ Cassiopeiae: A Scarlett Variable Double Star in Cassiopeia
WZ Cas, known as WZ Cassiopeiae, shines at a variable magnitude between 6.3 and 8.8. It’s classified as a C-N7 III star. It is a red-colored carbon star in the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s also known as SAO 21002, HIP 99, HD 224855.
The Garden Astronomer 