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.
Tag Archives: Winter
Kappa Andromedae: A Double Star with a Companion Exoplanet
Kappa Andromedae resides in the constellation Andromeda, a constellation taking a prominent position high in the sky on late autumn nights. Due to its bright visual magnitude of 4.1, Kappa Andromedae is viewable with the naked eye, even from suburban locations. A gas giant exoplanet orbits the star. Also known as Kap And, SAO 53264, HJ 1898, HIP 116805, HR 8976, HD 222439, 19 Andromedae, k And.
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 