Cygnus – The Garden Astronomer

Struve 2486 (HD 179558): A Buttery Binary in Cygnus

The binary system, Struve 2486, was first recorded in 1819 by astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve. It can be easily observed through most modest backyard telescopes. Both stars in this binary system are bright, yellow and have a similar magnitude.. Also known as HD 179558 and SAO 48192 and HR 7293.

NGC 6811: A Smoke Ring of Stars in the Constellation Cygnus

The star cluster NGC 6811 in Cygnus has a unique dark center that some people call “The Hole in the Cluster,” making this a great target for backyard astronomers.

61 Cygni: The Flying Star

61 Cygni is a bright double star in the constellation Cygnus. It’s best viewed in summer and early autumn. This double star is undoubtably intriguing as it lies a mere 11 light years away.

HD 190466: A Deep Cherry Red Treat in Cygnus

HD 190466, also known as Herschel 1470 (HJ 1470), is a variable double star in the constellation Cygnus.It has a pretty cherry red hue and is part of the Chapel Arch viewable from the suburban locations.

NGC 7039: A Cluster in Cygnus’ Sea of Stars

NGC 7039 is an open cluster with close to 100 stars in Cygnus, making it a good target for backyard astronomers in the northern hemisphere in summer.

HD 189751 (SAO 69238): A Double Among a Colorful Stream in Cygnus

HD 189751 is a variable and double star in the constellation Cygnus. The binary is also known as SAO 69238 and STT 394. It is a 7th magnitude star.

NGC 6826: A Blinking Planetary Nebula in Cygnus

As one stares at the central star, or uses averted vision, the nebula’s fuzzy cloud may come into view as if turning on a light switch. Because of this, some refer to NGC 6826 as the “blinking planetary.”

NGC 6866: One of Caroline’s Bright Clusters in Cygnus

NGC 6866 is a rich cluster with close to 100 stars, making it a good target for backyard astronomers. Caroline Hershel discovered the cluster in the summer of 1783.