The faint winter constellation Monoceros features a nice collection of star clusters and deep sky objects, including the famous Christmas Tree cluster and Avery’s Island, also known as NGC 2353. The cluster features more than 100 stars.
Tag Archives: Winter
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
Nu 1 Canis Majoris: A Pretty Binary in Canis Major
Nu1 Canis Majoris (also known as ν1 Canis Majoris) is a fairly bright binary in the constellation Canis Major. The two pretty yellow stars are wide apart enough for backyard observers with modest scopes to see both stars. The double is also known as Nu1 CMa, SHJ 73, SAO 151694, HIP 31560, HR 2423, HD 47138, 6 Canis Majoris, ν1 CMa.
6 (Iota) Trianguli: A Bronze and Blue Binary in the Constellation Triangulum
Triangulum is a distinctive northern constellation best observed in autumn and winter, featuring the Messier 33 galaxy and notable double stars like 6 Trianguli. Discovered by William Hershel, this binary system consists of a primary G5 giant and a fainter F5 dwarf star. It is a quadruple system with spectroscopic binaries.
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.
HR 1997 (HD 38693): A Wide Binary Star in Taurus
In the winter constellation of Taurus, lies HR 1997, a fairly faint binary that you can see with any moderate backyard telescope. The good news is the pair of stars lie far apart, 75 arcseconds, from each other. The double is also known as SAO 77578, ADS 4392, HR 1997, HD 38693, HIP 27421, BD+20 1105.
IC 348: A Stellar Nursery and Fireworks Show in Perseus
IC 348 is a beautiful star cluster wrapped in a veil of milky nebulosity. On autumn and winter nights, turn your attention to the Perseus constellation and this cosmic cradle where stars are born. It’s also known as C 0341+321, Collinder 41.
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.
The Garden Astronomer 