Zeta Ophiuchi, a brilliant blue giant star in the constellation Ophiuchus, is known as the “runaway star” due to its high-speed movement through space. This motion, caused by a past supernova explosion of its companion star, creates a captivating bow shock. Despite its luminosity, interstellar dust obscures its brilliance from casual observers.
Tag Archives: Ophiuchus
61 Ophiuchi: A Nicely Resolvable Binary Star in Ophiuchus
The constellation Ophiuchus features the binary star 61 Ophiuchi, a bright pair visible through small telescopes. Discovered by Herschel in 1781, it is cataloged as STF 2202. The stars, classified as hot and white, exhibit an angular separation of 20.7 arcseconds, making them accessible and visually appealing to amateur astronomers. Also known as 61 Oph, Struve 2202, STF 2202, SAO 122690, HD 161270, HR 6609, HIP 86831
NGC 6572: Blue Racquetball Plantary Nebula in Ophiuchus
NGC 6572, the Emerald or Green Nebula in Ophiuchus, is a bright, compact planetary nebula glowing blue-green in summer skies—best seen with a telescope.
Struve 2276: A Nice Double Star in Ophiuchus’ Rich Field of Stars
Struve 2276 (STF 2276) is a captivating double star in Ophiuchus, with magnitudes 7.0 and 7.4. First cataloged by Herschel in 1782, it offers a viewing challenge with a separation of 7 arcseconds. Its relationship as a binary or optical double remains unclear, but its visual beauty stands out in the summer sky. Also known as SAO 103373, HIP 88627, HR 6758, HD 165474
NGC 6356: A Small Globular Cluster with Bright Center in Ophiuchus
NGC 6356 is a globular cluster located a stunning 50,000 light-years away from Earth. This smaller, dense globular is best viewed on summer nights in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Messier 9 (NGC 6333): Globular Cluster Near the Heart of the Galaxy
Messier 9 (NGC 6333) lies lower in the southern skies on summer nights in the constellation Ophiuchus. M9 is a globular cluster near the center of a galaxy and enjoyable summer target.
NGC 6633: This Captain Hook Cluster Pulls You In
NGC 6633 is a bright open cluster in Ophiuchus, nearly moon-sized in the sky. A stunning binocular target rich with blue-white stars for summer nights.
IC 4665: Say “Hi” to a Brilliant Star Cluster and a Black Cat
This post summarizes how to view the open star cluster IC 4665, which lies in the summer constellation of Ophiuchus. IC 4665 is a large, course, and young star cluster with 30 stars, which are mostly blue-white or white in color. It’s a great object to view and enjoy with binoculars from the suburbs. Also known as Collinder 349 and Melotte 179.
The Garden Astronomer 