14 Aurigae, a prominent multi-star system in the Auriga constellation, features a bright primary star of +5 magnitude while the dimmer secondary appears blue. The stars are 286 light years away and separated by 14 arcseconds. As part of the Orion Spur in the Milky Way, 14 Aurigae provides insights into stellar evolution.
Tag Archives: Winter
Struve 572: A Tight White Binary Star in Taurus
Struve 572 is a nice binary star in the constellation Taurus, the Bull, most prominent during winter evenings in the Northern Hemisphere. The pair were first observed by astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve in 1822. Modest backyard scopes should be able to split the two stars, which are only separated by 4.5 arcseconds. The double is also known as STF 572, SAO 76682, HR 1470, HD 29364.
41 Aurigae (Struve 845): A Lovely Pair with Debatable Color Differences in Auriga
41 Aurigae is a double star in the Auriga constellation, most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers report inconsistent colors for the stars, ranging from ‘blue and pale apricot’ to ‘silvery white and pale violet’. The author’s observations match with Smyth’s, stating the primary star appears silvery white with the secondary star slightly violet, or blue. Despite the contrasting reports, the pair’s brightness, proximity, and color disparity contribute to their appeal.
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.
Messier 44 (NGC 2632): A Swarm of Bees in Cancer
From Ptolemy describing M44 as a “nebulous mass in the breast of cancer” to Chinese astronomers calling it a “cloud of pollen,” the Beehive has held the attention of skywatchers over the ages. Also known Messier 44, Praesepe, and NGC 2632.
Struve 1520: A Double of Yellow and Blue, Yellow—or Maybe Red
Overview of double star Struve 1520, STF 1520, as viewed through an 8-inch SCT scope under suburban skies. This is a double star of gold and red colors in constellation Ursa Major. The pair lie 12.7 arcseconds apart and make for a good double star target with a smaller scope.
NGC 1502: A Rich Cluster Meets a Cascade of Stars
NGC 1502 is a rich, attractive open star cluster in the constellation Camelopardalis. The cluster lies at one end of the notable asterism Kemble’s Cascade. Backyard astronomers will larger binoculars or smaller scopes will enjoy seeing both!
38 Geminorum: A Pleasing Binary of Orange and Light Blue in Gemini
38 Geminorum is a 4th magnitude binary star in the Gemini constellation best viewed on winter nights. Backyard astronomers under suburban skies should be able to split this nice orange and light blue pair with any scope or binoculars. Also designated as STF 982 and SEO 96265.
Struve 1108: A Double of Yellow and Blue with Caldwell 39 Nearby
Overview of double star Struve 1108, STF 1108, as viewed through an 8-inch SCT scope under suburban skies. This is a double star of gold and blue colors in constellation Gemini. The pair lie 11.7 arcseconds apart and make for a good double star target with a smaller scope.
Chi Tauri: A Double with Deep Purple Secondary
Chi Tauri is a pretty white-dark blue double star in the winter constellation Taurus. The secondary component, a yellow G2 class, actually looks purple!
The Garden Astronomer 