Tag Archives: Winter

Gomeisa: The Shining Blue Jewel of Canis Minor

Gomeisa, or Beta Canis Minoris, is a striking blue-white B-type star located 170 light-years from Earth in Canis Minor. With a surface temperature over 11,000 Kelvin and a brightness of magnitude 2.9, it stands out near Procyon. Its rapid rotation and classification as a variable star add to its intrigue for astronomers.

HD 39881 (S 503): A Wide Double Star in Orion

Orion is a prominent winter constellation known for its bright stars, including Betelgeuse and the Orion Nebula, as well as double stars like S 503. This system, consisting of components A and B, offers viewing opportunities with binoculars and telescopes. Recent observations highlighted their visibility despite fading dawn light. Also known as SAO 95004, HD 39881, HR 2067, HIP 28066, BD+13 1036, GC 7469, 0728-03142-1

The Horsehead Nebula (IC 434): A Shadow in the Stars

The Horsehead Nebula, located in Orion, is recognized for its iconic silhouette but is faint and challenging to observe. First discovered in 1888 by Williamina Fleming, it is a stellar nursery contributing to star formation. Ideal viewing occurs between December and March, away from city lights using larger telescopes.

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.

Epsilon Arietis: A Rewarding, Tight Binary in Aries

Learn about Epsilon Arietis, a close binary white pair of stars in the constellation Aries, best viewed on autumn and winter nights. The two stars only lie 1.3 arcseconds apart, so a telescope will be needed to see both stars also known as Struve 333, STF 333, Eps Ari, SAO 75673, HD 18519, HR 887, HIP 13914, 48 Ari.

NGC 1758: A Hidden Gem in Taurus’ Starry Landscape

NGC 1758 is a lesser-known open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Discovered by William Herschel in 1785, it is approximately 700 million years old. Though not visible to the naked eye, it provides valuable insights into stellar evolution. Its proximity to NGC 1750 poses observational challenges.