Orion – The Garden Astronomer

NGC 2169: A “37” Tattooed on Orion’s Outstretched Arm

High above Orion’s Nebula and belt lies the star cluster NGC 2169, affectionately known as the “37 Cluster.” This arrangement of stars earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the number 37 when viewed through a small telescope or binoculars. It’s also known as Collinder 83, XY Cluster, and the LE Cluster

Meissa (Lambda Orionis): A Luminous Multiple Star in Orion

Marking Orion’s head is the bright star, Meissa. But it’s more than that. Aim your binoculars or telescope toward Meissa, and you’ll find a beautiful grouping of related stars. The star is also known as SAO 112921, HD 36861, Lam Ori, Struve 738, STF 738, HD 36861, λ Ori.

The star is part of the Collinder 69 cluster.

Rho Orionis (Struve 654): An Orange-Yellow Double in Orion

The double star Rho Orionis, also known as SAO 112528, features a orange-colored primary in the winter constellation of Orion. The pair of stars lies closely to each other, only separated by 6.5 arcseconds in distance.

Struve 700 (V1804 Orionis): Double Blue in Orion’s Winter Cool

Learn about the double star in Orion called Struve 700 and V1804 Orionis. The pretty set of blue-white stars shine around 7.8 magnitude and are a tight pair in telescope. My sketch shows what the binary looks like through a backyard telescope. They are a great pair to seek out when observing through Orion, the hunter, on winter days.

23 Orionis: The Hunter’s White-Blue Double

23 Orionis is a 4th magnitude double star in the Orion constellation best viewed on winter nights. Backyard astronomers under suburban skies should be able to split this nice white-blue pair with any scope or binoculars. Also designated as STF 696.

Messier 78 (NGC 2068): A Friendly Ghost in Orion

Messier 78 joins a host of rich astronomical targets in the constellation Orion. M78 is a reflection nebula.

Iota Orionis: A Runaway Star in Orion’s Sword

This multiple star is not only one of the hottest in the Orion constellation but a “runaway” star. This was my last observation of 2021.

Sigma Orionis: An Attractive Quartet of Stars in Orion

Some consider Sigma Orionis one of the best multiple star systems to view. It makes its home just underneath the belt of Orion near the famous Horsehead Nebula.

Mintaka: A Blazing Hot Star System in Orion’s Belt

This diamond star of the winter night burns hot and bright.

Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars

With many competing targets in the Orion neighborhood, it may be easy to overlook notable double stars such as Rigel and Struve 747 (also known by HR 1887). Struve 747 is a 4th magnitude double star in Orion and a worthy target on any winter night. When observing the pair, you’ll notice they are prettyContinueContinue reading “Struve 747: A Pair of Light Blue Topaz Stars”