Observations Under Suburban Skies
Struve 2816 and 2819 make their home in the constellation Cepheus. This much-loved autumn constellation boasts several remarkable celestial objects.
Sketch of Struve 2816 and Struve 2819 as shown in the same 12mm eyepiece in a 8-inch SCT scope. Both sets of double and triple stars are beautiful in the constellation Cepheus. The drawing shows both sets of star also known as STF 2819 and 2816. Also go by (SAO 33626, HD 206267, HR 8281) and (SAO 33652, HD 206482)
NGC 40, also known as the Bow Tie nebula, is a somewhat dim planetary nebula in the Cepheus constellation. It’s a good target for the casual backyard observer with a moderate telescope.
NGC 7160 is a small, yet bright open cluster in the constellation Cepheus. With a magnitude of 6, backyard astronomers can view it with binoculars, though a telescope will be better.
NGC 7281, an open cluster in Cepheus, shines on autumn nights. Look for its 20+ stars, including three bright ones forming a helpful line for observers.
HD 919, also known as HIP 1124 or STTA 1, is a variable double star in the constellation Cepheus that warrants a look due to its pretty red color contrasted against a white secondary star.
HD 210884, also known as HIP 109474 or STF 2883, is a double star in the constellation Cepheus. It’s best viewed on autumn nights.
The variable star Delta Cephei lies in the constellation Cepheus and is a one of the most important and historical stars in astronomy. Delta Cep makes the basis for all Cepheids, which Henrietta Leavitt discoveed that their luminosities are directly related to their periods of pulsation. This led to our being able to measure greater distances starting when Edwin Hubble uncovered the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy after finding a Cepheid in the galaxy.
Zeta Cephei is a red-orange supergiant star in the constellation of Cepheus.
The Garden Astronomer