In my article on Cygnus X-1, I cover the black hole and its massive companion star, HDE 226868, along with how they interact through stellar winds. I’ve also included my own photos and clear illustrations to show exactly where the system is located in Cygnus. It’s a mix of science, observation, and practical stargazing guidance.
Tag Archives: Summer
NGC 6871: A Simple Sparkling Cluster in Cygnus
Explore the open cluster NGC 6871 in Cygnus with my observing notes, sketch, and Seestar photo. I also highlight the fascinating Wolf–Rayet star WR 133.
Marsic (Kappa Herculis): A Garnet and Topaz Double Star
Learn about Marsic (Kappa Herculis) and see how it looks through an 8-inch SCT scope when viewed from a suburban location. Marsic is an optical double star in the constellation Hercules and best viewed in summer.
Altair: A Bright, Fast-Spinning Beacon in the Summer Sky
Discover Altair, one of the brightest stars in the Summer Triangle. This blog explores its rapid spin and includes a personal telescope sketch for stargazing enthusiasts.
Antares: Across the Skylines
Follow a lifetime of stargazing from Denver to the Gulf Coast, as the red fire of Antares bridges decades of memory, solitude, and celestial wonder.
Nu Boötis: The Pretty Optical Double Star in Boötes
Nu Boötis, also known as Nu-1 and Nu-2 Boötis, is a striking optical double star in the constellation Boötes. This colorful star pair, visible in binoculars and small telescopes, delights stargazers with its contrasting magnitudes and beauty in spring and summer skies.
57 Aquilae: A Light Topaz Blue Double
Tucked away in the Eagle’s wing, 57 Aquilae shines as a quiet pair of stellar companions. I spent some time at the eyepiece with this beautiful double star—here’s what I saw and why it left an impression.
Messier 80 (NGC 6093): A Stellar Beehive in Scorpius
Discover the beauty of Messier 80, a dense globular cluster near the Milky Way’s center, perfect for stargazers and amateur astronomers. Learn and see how M80 is viewed through a visual and electronic telescope such as Seestar S50.