While no one can deny the beauty of the Western Veil Nebula, 52 Cygni (Struve 2726) also provides a visual treat to backyard observers who like double stars. 52 Cygni also known as STF 2726, SAO 70467, HD 197912, HR 7942, 52 Cyg, HIP 102453.
Tag Archives: Autumn
Algol (Beta Persei): The Devilish Winking Star
In the constellation of Perseus, around 93 light-years away, lies Algol, also known as the “Demon Star.” It’s a binary system where a dimmer star eclipses the brighter one every 2.87 days, causing a noticeable change in brightness, creating a characteristic “blink” that has fascinated observers for centuries. The star is also known as Beta Persei, β Per, 26 Persei, HD 19356, HIP 14576, HR 936, and SAO 38592.
6 (Iota) Trianguli: A Bronze and Blue Binary in the Constellation Triangulum
Triangulum is a distinctive northern constellation best observed in autumn and winter, featuring the Messier 33 galaxy and notable double stars like 6 Trianguli. Discovered by William Hershel, this binary system consists of a primary G5 giant and a fainter F5 dwarf star. It is a quadruple system with spectroscopic binaries.
IC 348: A Stellar Nursery and Fireworks Show in Perseus
IC 348 is a beautiful star cluster wrapped in a veil of milky nebulosity. On autumn and winter nights, turn your attention to the Perseus constellation and this cosmic cradle where stars are born. It’s also known as C 0341+321, Collinder 41.
Epsilon Persei (Struve 471): An Aquamarine Celestial Jewel in Perseus
In the autumn constellation of Perseus, Epsilon Persei shines with a beautiful blue-white hue. Backyard astronomers will appreciate the star’s pretty aquamarine color and the challenge of seeing the dim companion star nearby. This multiple star system, also viewed as double star, is a bright target to view in fall. It also known as Struve 471, STF 471, HD 24760, SAO 56840, HR 1220, Eps Per, HIP 18532, Adid Australis
Struve 274: A White Binary Star in Cetus the Sea Monster
Among Cetus’ notable stars lies the binary star Struve 274, a quaint pair of white stars that are fairly easy to view in any modest backyard scope.
Struve 274’s stars are close in magnitude and color. The primary star shines at magnitude +7.5, while the nearby secondary is slightly dimmer at magnitude +7.6. The stars lie a healthy 13.7 arcseconds apart, making them an easy binary target for amateur astronomers. Also known as STF 274, HD 15695, SAO 110591, HIP 11737.
Nu Ceti (Struve 281): A Delicate Yellow and White Binary Star in Cetus the Sea Monster
Among Cetus’ notable stars lies the binary star system of Nu Ceti also known as v Ceti and Struve 281. Nu Ceti is a magnitude 4.9 yellow star with a close dim companion star only 8 arcseconds away. Backyard astronomers will enjoy the challenge of splitting this tight pair that lies in the late autumn constellation of Cetus. The double star is also known as STF 281, Nu Cet, SAO 110635, HIP 12093, HD 16161, HR 754, v Cet.
VX Andromedae: A Burgundy Carbon Star in Andromeda
VX Andromedae is a carbon star with a middle red hue. One can view it best on autumn nights as it lies in the constellation Andromeda. It’s also known as HD 1456.
The Garden Astronomer 