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Home , 14 Aurigae, 19 Lyncis, 26 Aurigae, 59 Andromedae, 5 Aurigae, AG Draconis

Winter * * * * * * * *Eradinus * *Monoceros * * * * * * *Cassiopeia * *Andromeda * * * * * * * * (rising) * (rising) * (rising)

Orion--Myth: Orion, the great ​ ​ hunter. In one myth, Orion boasted he would kill all the wild animals on the . But, the earth goddess , who was the protector of all animals, produced a gigantic scorpion, whose body was so heavily encased that Orion was unable to pierce through the armour, and was himself stung to death. His companion Artemis was greatly saddened and arranged for Orion to be immortalised among the . , the scorpion, was placed on the opposite side of the sky so that Orion would never be hurt by it again. To this , Orion is never seen in the sky at the same time as Scorpius.

DSO’s ● ***M42 “Orion ” (Neb) with Trapezium A stellar ​ ​ ​ nursery where new stars are being born, perhaps a thousand stars. These are immense clouds of interstellar gas and dust collapse inward to form stars, mainly of ionized which gives off the red glow so dominant, and also ionized greenish gas. The youngest stars may be less than 300,000 old, even as young as 10,000 years old (compared to the , 4.6 billion years old). 1300 ly. ​ ​

1 ● *M43--(Neb) “De Marin’s Nebula” The -forming ​ “comma-shaped” region connected to the . ● *M78--(Neb) Hard to see. A star-forming region connected to the ​ Orion Nebula. Above belt stars. Close to NGC 2071. Looks like a ​ ​ ghost with glowing eyes. ● *NGC 2023 “”--A region of dark dust against ​ ​ ​ a bright nebula. It gets its name from its shape that resembles that of a horse head. The nebula is located just to the south of , the easternmost star of Orion's Belt. ● *NGC 2024 “”--An next to and ​ illuminated by the blue Alnitak located in Orion’s Belt. The Flame Nebula is within. ● *NGC 2169 “37 Cluster” (OC)--Located near with ​ ​ about 30 stars. ● *NGC 1977 (OC)--faint nebulosity ​ ● *NGC 1981 (OC)--seems to trace a bouncing ball ​

Notable Stars ● * (blue supergiant,)--85,000 brighter than the ​ Sun. Over the next few million years Rigel will expand to an even greater size as it becomes a red supergiant and may eventually explode as a . 75x bigger than the sun in diameter. Use high power to find its companion. 773 ly SAO 131907 ​ ​ ● *Betelgeuse (red supergiant) . Much cooler than ​ Rigel. Only 10 million years old, it burns its fuel extremely quickly, as a result it will exist for only a million years more, whereas our sun exists for billions of years. Betelgeuse is already near the end of its lifespan and is expected to explode as a supernova in the next million years. It’s one of the largest known stars at least the size of the of Mars or around the sun. 643 ly SAO 113271 ​ ​ ​ ​ ● * (deep blue star)--4x hotter than the sun and 6x as ​ large. Very hot, it has shed its core and will evolve into an orange-. 250 ly SAO 112740 ​ ​

2 Double Stars ● ***Theta 1 Orionis “Trapezium” (multiple stars) This ​ stunning multiple star lies right at the center of the Orion Nebula M42. It's the middle star of the Sword of Orion. The Trapezium contains four bright, massive, young stars that twinkle in an attractive tiny area, recent products in the gas and dust cloud. Lots of faint stars, highly young and unstable lights, less than 100,000 years old. Ultraviolet radiation produced by the Trapezium stars super-heats the surrounding gas, making it fluoresce like the glowing gas in a neon bulb. The Trapezium was first sketched in 1656, and first photographed in 1880. SAO 132314 ​ ● **Delta Orionis “” (white-blue double star) This is ​ the westernmost star of the Belt of Orion. It's a very wide double. It consists of a white main star and a much fainter blue component. SAO 132220 ● **Lambda Orionis “” (white-white double star) Collinder 69 is the large and loose cluster around this double star Lambda Ori. It's located at the top of the Orion figure. Together with the two Phi stars, it forms the head of the Hunter. The double itself is the last one in a line of three stars. Two white stars, maybe yellowish, can be glimpsed fairly close. SAO 112921 ​ ● ** (white-blue double star) It's located 30' south ​ of the Orion Nebula, just below the bottom of the sword. A blue little companion can be seen, considerably close to the brilliant white primary. At its SW lies Struve 747. SAO 132323 ​ ● ** (white-blue multiple stars) Sigma Ori is ​ rather a quadruple, but a moderately separated double of a white primary and a blue fainter companion is the conspicuous. Sigma Ori lies below the easternmost star of the Belt of Orion, the same area where you can find the Horsehead Nebula. SAO 132406 ​ ● **Theta 2 Orionis (multiple stars)--Three stars in a line near ​ Trapezium. SAO 132329 ​ ● **Struve 747 (white-blue double star) SAO 132301 ​ ● *Alnitak (white-blue double star)--Left belt star SAO 132444 ​ ​ ​

Carbon Stars SAO 112406 and BL Orionis SAO 9565 ​ ​ ​ ​

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Canis Major--Myth: Canis ​ ​ ​ Major represents the larger of Orion's two hunting dogs who accompany him as he hunts Lepus, the rabbit. In , the constellation represented the dog Laelaps, a gift from to Europa. The dog was famous for being the fastest in the world.

DSO’s ● **M41 (OC) “The dog’s spot” (below ) 100 stars. stars. ​ ​ ​ 2300 ly ● **NGC 2362 (OC)--pretty, near star Tau Canis Major ​ ● *NGC 2360 (OC)--wedge-shaped ​ ● *NGC 2354 (OC)--looks like a slug making sharp turn ​

Double Stars ● **Alpha Canis Majoris “Sirius” or “Dog Star” (blue-white double star) It is the brightest star in the sky. It comes from the ​ Greek word meaning “scorching,” or “sparkling.” Among the ancient ​ Romans, the hottest part of the was associated with the rising of ​ the Dog Star at dawn, a connection that survives in the expression “dog days.” Super close to Earth. 8.6 ly SAO 151881 ​ ​ ​ ​ ● **H3945 (145 G Canis Majoris) “Winter Alberio” (orange-blue double star) Here’s a gold and blue pair that rivals ​ the much celebrated Albireo. Absolutely beautiful! SAO 173349 ​ ​

Carbon Stars ● SAO 152427 ​

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Monoceros--Myth: The Unicorn is one of 12 constellations named by the ​ ​ ​ ​ Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators.

DSO’s ● **M50 (OC)--”Heart-Shaped Cluster”--An of 200 ​ stars, it looks like connect-the-dots housefly. ● **NGC 2264 (Christmas Tree OC) ● **NGC 2301 (OC)--lovely! ​ ● **NGC 2244 (OC) “Satellite Cluster”--within . ​ ● **NGC 2237 (Neb) “Rosette” Nebula--hard to see ​

Double Stars ● *** (all blue triple star)--This surprising ​ ​ marvelous triple of three fully equal light blue stars, was first noticed in 1781. Two stars are closer in contact than the third one. It is located east of the most SE star of the Orion figure. ● **Epsilon Monocerotis (yellow-yellow double star)--A ​ ​ moderately close pair containing two unequally bright deep yellow stars, is located east of the most NE star of the Orion figure, Betelgeuse. Carbon Stars ● GY Monocerotis SAO 133825 ​ ● RV Monoc SAO 114704 and V614 Monoc SAO 134049 ​ ​ ​

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Canis Minor--Myth: the smaller of ​ ​ ​ Orion's two hunting dogs along with its larger neighbor, Canis Major. Canis Minor was sometimes associated with the Teumessian Fox, the beast that could not be outrun. Zeus turned the fox to stone along with its hunter, the dog Laelaps. Canis Minor is usually depicted on charts as a small dog standing on the back of Monoceros, the unicorn.

Double Stars ● **--The name Procyon means "before the dog". The star got ​ ​ its name from the fact that is rises before Sirius, the dog star, in the constellation Canis Major. It is a , the 8th brightest star in ​ ​ the sky. Earth. 11.4 ly ​ ● *Struve 1103--This pair consists of a deep yellow main star and a ​ ​ considerably fainter bluish component, pretty close. It is located immediately W of the very bright Procyon. SAO 115532 ​

Carbon Stars ● R Canis Minoris SAO 96548 ​

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Gemini--Myth: the twins and ​ ​ ​ , two Greek heroes who were among the men Jason led on his voyages on the Argo. They were actually half-brothers and not really twins. They shared the same mother, Leda, but had different fathers. Castor's father was a king of Sparta called Tyndareus, while the father of Pollux was Zeus himself. They are sometimes said to have been born from an egg, along with their twin sisters Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Pollux asked Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together, and they were transformed into the constellation Gemini.

DSO’s ● **M35 (OC) beautiful--A fine open cluster of about 100 stars that ​ ​ can easily be observed with . Near NGC 2158 (fuzzy, hard ​ ​ to see) ● **NGC 2392 (Eskimo Neb) Hard to see. Use averted vision ​

Notable Stars ● **Pollux (orange giant star) 34 ly SAO 79666 ​ ​ ​

Double Stars ● ***Castor (white-blue multiple star) SAO 60198 ​ ​ ● **Delta Geminorum (yellow-purple double star) SAO 79294 ​ ​ ● **15 Gemini (white-blue double star) Next to the orange primary ​ ​ stands a fainter light blue companion, widely detached. RA: 06 27.8 ​ DEC: +20 47 ● **38 Gemini (yellow-purple double star) An easily resolved gap ​ ​ between the little light purple attendant and the bright deep yellow primary. RA: 06 54.6 DEC: +13 11 ​

7 ● **Struve 1108 (orange-purple double star)--An orangish primary ​ ​ has a little but obvious purple point next to it, fairly well split. SAO 079489 ● **Struve 1083 (yellow-blue double star)--This pair has two ​ ​ contrasting colors, a deep yellow primary and a moderately fainter dark bluish green companion, considerably close. RA: 07 25.6 DEC: +20 30 ​ ● *** 134 (orange-purple double star)--In the N edge ​ ​ of the nice open cluster M35 twinkles a lovely wide double containing an orangish primary and a fainter light purple secondary. RA: 06 09.3 DEC: +24 26

Carbon Stars ● TU Geminorum SAO 78066 ​ ● VW Geminorum SAO 59383 ​ ● NQ Geminorum SAO 79474 ​

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Auriga--Myth: The Charioteer has long ​ ​ ​ been shown as a shepherd, cradling either a goat or goat and kids, as he rides through the heavens in his chariot. One variation suggests that the goat in question is Amaltheia, famous for suckling the infant Zeus. (In fact, , one of the brightest stars in this constellation, was previously called Amaltheia.)

DSO’s ● **M37 (OC)--“Cloaking Warbird” in Star Trek, an open cluster ​ containing around 500 stars. Also called "Auriga Salt-and-Pepper" ● **M38 (OC) “Starfish Cluster” or “Pi Cluster” with smaller NGC ​ ​ 1907. It’s an open cluster with about 100 stars. ​ ● *NGC 1907 (OC)--Seems to have 4 arms of stars at high power ​ ● *M36 (OC)--A bright open cluster of at least 60 stars. With NGC ​ ​ 1960 ● *NGC 1960 (OC)--hazy ​ ● *IC 405 (Neb) “Flaming Star” Nebula--near AE Auriga star ​ SAO 57816 ● NGC 2281 (OC) ● NGC 1857 (OC), NGC 1778 (OC), NGC 1893 (OC)

Notable Stars ● **Capella “The Goat Star” and the Kids (3 stars) The sixth ​ ​ ​ brightest star in the and the brightest star in the constellation. 42 ly SAO 40186 ​ ​

9 Double Stars ● ** (yellow-blue double star)--The double appears ​ ​ as an easy pair of a yellow main star and a moderately fainter blue one. SAO 57799 ● **Struve 698 (orange-blue double star)--Struve 698 is not ​ far from the gorgeous open clusters M36 and M38. It's a considerably wide double of an orangish primary and a fairly fainter blue companion. SAO 057998 ● ** (yellow-blue double star)--a bright yellow ​ ​ primary and a fainter blue companion, moderately separated. SAO 58280 ● ***Otto Struve 147 (yellow-blue-blue triple star)--A ​ ​ triplet in a real triangle figure? This one is a great example. A yellowish primary has two little bluish friends. This gorgeous trio lies east of the pentagon figure. Struve 928 lies just north, and Struve 929 just south of it. SAO 059230 ​ ● **Struve 929 (orange-blue double star)--A moderately close ​ pair of a yellow primary and a slightly fainter blue companion. SAO 059259 ● **Struve 872 (yellow-lilac double star)--A slightly fainter ​ orangish pink component stands next to a clearly yellow star, easily resolved. SAO 058904 ​ ● **Psi (yellow-blue double star)--a remarkable highly ​ wide double of an obviously yellow primary and a much fainter light blue companion. SAO 41330 ​

Carbon Stars ● EL Aurigae SAO 24981 ​ ● UV Aurigae SAO 57941 ​ ● FU Aurigae SAO 58449 ​ ● UU Aurigae SAO 59280 ​

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Taurus--Myth: One day Europa ​ ​ ​ Europa, daughter of the King of Phoenicia. saw a majestic white bull grazing near her father's herd. The bull was actually Zeus in disguise, trying to win Europa’s affections. After allowing her to climb on its back, the Bull swam across the Mediterranean Sea, taking Europa all the way to the island of Crete.

DSO’s ● **M45 (OC) “”--Myth: The stars are named after the ​ ​ ​ ​ seven daughters of and the Oceanid and , the titan who holds up the sky: , , Taygete, , , , and . Also known as “the Seven Sisters,” the Pleiades is an open cluster of about 500 stars, six of which are visible to the . All of these stars formed from the same cloud of gas about 100 million years ago. It is one of the closest open clusters to our . 390 ly ​ ● **The (OC)--Myth: The Hyades were daughters of Atlas ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (by either Pleione or ) and sisters of Hyas who was killed in a ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ hunting accident and the Hyades wept from their grief. They were changed into a cluster of stars, the Hyades, set in the head of Taurus. ​ ​ ​ ​ The Hyades are sisters to the Pleiades and the . ​ ​ ​ ​ The Hyades is an open cluster of about 200 stars. This cluster can be found nestled within the horns of the bull. ● **M1 (Neb) “”--a supernova remnant that formed ​ about a thousand years ago in the year 1054. It was formed when an old star blew itself apart in a catastrophic supernova explosion. ● *NGC 1647 (OC)--lovely with AG 311 (orange-orange ​ ​ double star) ● *NGC 1746 (OC) with NGC 1750 (OC) and NGC 1758 (OC) ​ ​ ​ ​ (Might be all the same or just two clusters)

11 Notable Stars ● ** (red-giant star) The “eye” of Taurus the Bull and ​ the thirteenth brightest star in the sky. It is an orange giant star that is 44 times bigger than the sun. 65 ly SAO 94027 ​ ​

Double Stars ● **Struve 422 (yellow-blue double star)--It has a main yellow ​ ​ star, with fairly close to it a little blue one. SAO 111291 ​ ● **118 Tauri (white-yellow double star)--It's a pretty nice ​ ​ fairly close pair of a white primary and a slightly fainter yellow attendant. SAO 77201 ​ ● **Struve 572 (yellow-yellow double star)--Two equal yellow ​ ​ stars not far from each other. This nice duo is located straight up north of Aldebaran. SAO 076682 ​

Carbon Stars ● TT Tauri SAO 76788 ​ ● TU Tauri SAO 77502 ​ ● Y Tauri SAO 77516 ​

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Eradinus--Myth: Phaethon (the son of the ​ ​ ​ Sun god Helios and the Oceanid Clymene) wanted to drive his father’s sky chariot, but was unable to control it. The chariot veered off course and scorched the heavens and the Earth. Zeus intervened and killed Phaethon with a thunderbolt. represents the wild path where Phaethon drove his father’s chariot.

DSO’s ● *NGC 1300 (Gal)--faint barred-spiral ​ ● *NGC 1187 (Gal)--faint spiral galaxy ​ ​ ● *NGC 1232 (Gal)--faint beautiful face-on spiral galaxy ​ ​ ● *NGC 1535 (Pl Neb)--faint ​ ​ ● *IC 2188 (Neb) “Witch Head Nebula”

Double Stars ● *55 Eradini (yellow-yellow double star)--In the most NE ​ ​ portion of the huge Eridanus, just right of the brilliant Rigel, lies a double with a deep yellow main star and an equally bright pale yellow companion, fairly close to each other. SAO 131443 ​ ​ ● **Omicron Eradini (multiple star) “Keid”-- SAO 131019 ​ ​

Carbon Stars ● SY Eridani SAO 131832 ​ ​

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Lepus--Myth: Its name means “the hare” in ​ ​ ​ Latin. It is represented as a rabbit that is being hunted by Orion and his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.

DSO’s ● *M79 (GC)--A that contains thousands of ​ individual stars. It is one of the few globular clusters visible in the northern hemisphere in winter. 40,000 ly ​ ● *NGC 2017--sparse but pretty ​ ● *NGC 1187 (Gal)--faint spiral galaxy ​ ​ ● *NGC 1232 (Gal)--faint beautiful face-on spiral galaxy ​ ​ ● *NGC 1535 (Pl Neb)--faint ​ ​ ● *IC 2188 (Neb) “Witch Head Nebula”

Double Stars ● *Gamma Leporis (orange-white double star)--SAO 170759 ​ ​

Carbon Stars ● *R Leporis “Hind’s Crimson Star”--one of the reddest stars in ​ the sky SAO 150058 ​ ​

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Monoceros--Myth: There are no ​ ​ ​ myths associated with Monoceros. It is one of 12 constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Plancius included it on a celestial globe in 1612. He originally called it Monoceros Unicornis.

DSO’s ● **M50 (OC) ”Heart-Shaped Cluster”--An open cluster of ​ about 200 stars, it looks like connect-the-dots housefly. ● **NGC 2264 (OC) “Christmas Tree” cluster Hard to see. ​ ● **NGC 2244 (OC) “Satellite Cluster” Hard to see. ​ ● **NGC 2237 “Rosette” Nebula--an emission nebula known for ​ its beautiful colors and patterns. Hard to see. ● *NGC 2232 (OC),*NGC 2301 (lovely OC),*NGC 2506 (OC) Double Stars ● ***Beta Monocerotis (all blue double/triple star)--This ​ surprising marvelous triple of three fully equal light blue stars, was first noticed in 1781. Two stars are closer in contact than the third one. SAO 133316 ​ ● **Epsilon Monocerotis (yellow-yellow star)--A moderately ​ close pair containing two unequally bright deep yellow stars, is located east of the most NE star of the Orion figure, Betelgeuse. A long trapezium of stars lies at its W. SAO 113810 ​ Carbon Stars ● GY Monocerotis SAO 133825 ​ ● RV Monocerotis SAO 114704 ​ ● V614 Monocerotis SAO 134049 ​

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Cancer--Myth: It represents the ​ ​ ​ crab in the story of the twelve labors of . It was sent by the goddess Hera to distract Hercules while he is fighting the Hydra. When the crab tries to kill Hercules, he kicks it so hard that it is propelled into the sky among the stars. In another version, the crab tried to grab Hercules’ toe, but Hercules crushed it under his foot.

DSO’s ● **M44 (OC) “Praesepe” or “”--An open ​ cluster of at least 200 stars that resembles a swarm of bees. Nearby Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis stars (northern and southern donkeys feeding at manger) ● **M67 (OC)--looks like a sheaf of corn, cobra snake, or diamond ​ dust on velvet.

Double Stars ● *** (gold-blue double star)--It is a marvelous ​ double, maybe the second well known. It has a gorgeous golden star and greatly separated from it a not so much fainter blue companion. SAO 80415 ● **Zeta Cancri (yellow-yellow double star)--Zeta Cnc lies W ​ of Praesepe M44. The AC pair is easily seen, a rather close binary of two yellow stars, the second one slightly fainter. SAO 97645 ​ ● **Struve 1254 (yellow-blue double star)--This is one of the ​ ​ ​ pretty doubles in Praesepe M44. It is the one right at the center of

16 the cluster. A bright yellow primary has a tiny blue companion, not very far from it. In M44 ​ ● *SLE 344 (white-white double star)--This is one of the pretty ​ doubles in Praesepe M44, right at the top of it. A white primary with a fainter white friend, easily split. In M44 ​ ● **Phi 2 Cancri (white-white double star)--This striking bright ​ pair contains two white stars, equally shining and trying to touch each other. SAO 79995 ​ ● *Struve 1245 (yellow-blue double star)--A traditional yellow ​ ​ ​ and blue double containing a not much fainter companion and holding a moderately wide gap between the twins. SAO 116929 ​

Carbon Stars ● X Cancri SAO 98230 ​ ● T Cancri SAO 80524 ​

17 Lynx--Myth: Lynx was created by ​ ​ the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century to fill a large gap between the constellations Auriga and Ursa Major. It was named Lynx because the stars were so dim one would have to have the eyes of a lynx to see them. Lynx appears as a dim, bumpy line running just north of Leo and Cancer.

DSO’s ● NGC 2419 (OC) Also known as the Intergalactic Wanderer, is a ​ globular containing thousands of individual stars. It received its name because when it was first discovered, it was believed that it was not in around our galaxy. Double Stars ● **12 Lyncis (yellow-blue double star) A yellow main star has a ​ ​ ​ ​ blue fainter neighbour, relatively close to each other. SAO 25939 ​ ● * (yellow-blue double star) An almost equally bright ​ ​ ​ ​ pair of a yellow and blue star, fairly separated. The double forms with 4 other stars a big T. SAO 26311 ​ ● **Struve 958 (yellow-yellow double star) This is another fine ​ ​ ​ ​ matching pair of two tight yellow stars with equal brightness. RA 06 48.2 DEC +55 42 ● **Struve 1369 (yellow-yellow double star) This double ​ ​ ​ ​ contains a nearly orangish yellow primary and a slightly fainter dull yellow secondary, widely separated. The double lies in the southern portion of the Lynx. SAO 042931 ​ ● **Struve 1282 (yellow-yellow double star) Two equally ​ ​ ​ ​ bright stars with a clearly deep yellow shade are almost in contact. This attractive pair lies in the southern portion of the Lynx. RA 08 50.7 DEC +35 04

18 Ursa Major--Myths ​ ● Ursa Major was once the beautiful maiden Callisto, whom the god Zeus seduced by disguising himself as Artemis. Hera discovered that Callisto had given birth to a son Arcas and decided that Zeus must have been the father. To punish her, Hera changed Callisto into a bear so she would no longer be beautiful. Callisto's son grew up to be a hunter, while Callisto continued to live in the forest. One day Callisto saw Arcas and was so overjoyed at seeing her son that she rushed up to him, forgetting she was a bear. Arcas thought he was being attacked and shot an arrow at Callisto. Zeus saw the arrow and stopped it from hitting Callisto. Zeus then changed Arcas into a bear also, grabbed them both by their tails, and swung them both into the heavens so they could live peacefully among the stars. They are now ​ ​ referred to as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, the big and little bears. ​ ​ ​ ​ ● During the Civil War, the was used by the Underground Railroad. Slaves escaping from the South were told to follow the "drinking gourd" to a better life.

DSO’s ● M81 (Galaxy) “Bode’s Galaxy”-- A large spiral galaxy located ​ ​ about 11.8 million light years from Earth. It is extremely bright, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers with small telescopes. ● M82 (Galaxy) “Cigar Galaxy” Edge-on starburst galaxy shaped ​ like a cigar. ● M101 (Galaxy) ”Pinwheel Galaxy” A spectacular face-on spiral ​ galaxy with bright spiral arms and dark dust lanes. ● M97 (Pl. Neb) “Owl Nebula” A with two dark ​ ​ patches that resemble the eyes of an owl.

19 Double Stars ● “ and ” (Horse and Rider stars) The famous Alcor ​ and Mizar, the naked eye double star. Mizar itself is a gorgeous pair of two equal white stars. In the 13th century it was already a naked eye test. In an ancient myth, Alcor was the lost seventh lady of the Pleiades, staying with her lover. Mizar is the first seen binary, the first photographed binary, and the first spectroscopic binary. SAO 28737 ● **Xi Uma (yellow-yellow double star) The double at the very ​ bottom of the Ursa Major constellation, that is rather north of Leo, forming with Nu Uma two conspicuous stars. It is a very close orange pair of two bright stars. The companion is slightly fainter. SAO 62484 ​ ● *Struve 1695 (yellow-blue double star) It lies SW of Alcor ​ and Mizar. It is a fine double with a fairly bright yellowish main star and very close to it a bluish much fainter attendant. SAO 028572 ​

Carbon Stars ● VY Ursae Majoris SAO 15274 ​

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Ursa Minor--Myth: Ursa ​ ​ Minor is Arcas, the son of Zeus and the maiden Callisto (Ursa Major). One day, she came face to face with her son. Scared, Arcas drew a spear, ready to kill the bear. Luckily, Zeus saw the scene and intervened before it was too late. He sent a whirlwind that scooped the mother and son up to the heavens, where Callisto became Ursa Major and Arcas, Ursa Minor. ​ DSO’s ● Few that are easy to see.

Double Stars ● Alpha Ursa Minoris “Polaris” (yellow-white double star) Yes, our polar star also is a ​ nice double, with a yellowish main star and a much fainter white companion, but easily seen thanks to the fairly wide separation. The companion was first spotted in 1780. SAO 308 ​

● Herschel 2682 (UMi) This is a real triangle figure. A subtle ​ yellowish main star has a faint pink-like companion, and a bit closer another fainter purple-like companion. This marvelous triple lies W of the two bright bottom stars of the Little Bear RA: 13 40.7 Dec.: +76 51

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Draco--Myth: Draco represents Ladon, ​ ​ the that guarded the golden apples in the gardens of the Hesperides. The golden apple tree was a wedding present to Hera when she married Zeus. She planted the tree in her garden on Mount Atlas and tasked Atlas’ daughters, the Hesperides, with guarding it. She also placed the dragon Ladon around the tree so that the Hesperides would not pick any apples from it. As part of his 12 labours, (Hercules) was asked to steal some golden apples from the tree. He killed Ladon with his poisoned arrows and took the apples. Saddened by the dragon’s death, Hera placed its image in the sky among the constellations.

DSO’s ● *M102 (Galaxy) “Spindle Galaxy” An edge-on galaxy with a ​ ​ ​ dark dust lane along its outside edge. 50 million ly ​ ● *NGC 6543 (Neb) “Cat’s Eye Nebula” The Cat’s Eye is one of ​ the most structurally complex nebulae known. It was formed around 1,000 years ago when a hot, bright central star expelled its outer envelope. It is sometimes also known as the Sunflower Nebula or the Snail Nebula. 3,300 ly ​

Double Stars ● **16/17 Draconis (white triple star) This extremely wide pair ​ ​ lies east of the dragon's head, even with the other nice double Mu Dra between them. One of them itself is a very close double of two almost equally bright stars. So it's a pretty nice trio, all of them are white. SAO 30012 ● ** (yellow-yellow double star) Two equally bright ​ yellow stars are matched together. Mu Dra is the star just W of the

22 dragon's head. More to the west also lies the nice wide double 16 and 17 Dra. SAO 30239 ​ ● **Struve 2155 (yellow-blue double star) In the same area of ​ this double stands a bright orange variable star VW Dra. The double is a classic yellow-blue pair, the component being much fainter and fairly wide split. It is located north of the dragon's head. RA: 17 16.1 Dec.: +60 43 ● ** “Kuma” (white-white double star) In this ​ poor star field glitters an extremely wide double of two equally bright white . This conspicuous pair is the most NW star of the four stars of the dragon's head. SAO 30450 ​ ● **Psi Draconis (yellow-yellow double star) Considerably wide ​ from the yellowish primary lies a dull yellow secondary, only a slightly fainter. This duo lies rather W of the rectangle pattern of the Little Bear. SAO 8890 ​ ● **40/41 Draconis (yellow-yellow double star) Two yellow ​ stars, the companion only a slightly fainter, are well separated. This nice pair is located high above the head of the Dragon, that is rather close to the tail of the Little Bear. SAO 8994 ​ ● **Omi Dra (orange-green double star) The almost orange ​ bright primary has considerably far from it a much fainter companion with a rare bluish tint. It lies in a beautiful star field, E of the dragon's head. SAO 31219 ​ ● *Struve 2348 (yellow-blue double star) It is located E of the ​ dragon's head. It is a considerably wide double with a clear yellow main star and next to it a not little blue attendant. SAO 031051 ​ ● *Struve 1362 (Dra) (white-yellow double star) Two equally ​ bright stars are almost in contact. This pretty double lies at the very end of the Draco tail, NW of Ursa Major. The companion is slightly yellowish.

Carbon Stars ● UX Draconis SAO 9404 ​ ● RY Draconis SAO 15945 ​

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Camelopardalis--Myth: ​ Camelopardalis is a circumpolar ​ constellation. There are no myths associated with Camelopardalis. Camelopardalis is one of 12 constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. It describes a giraffe aka “camel leopard.”

DSO’s ● **Kemble’s Cascade An formed by a cascade of relatively ​ ​ faint stars, and several notable deep sky objects: The asterism is formed by more than 20 faint stars arranged in a straight line over a distance approximately equal to five diameters. The celestial cascade points in the direction of Cassiopeia constellation and ends ​ ​ with the small open cluster NGC 1502. In 1980, the asterism was named after Father Lucian J. Kemble, a Franciscan Friar describing the sight as “a beautiful cascade of faint stars tumbling from the northwest down to the open cluster NGC 1502.” SAO 12969 ​ ● *NGC 1502 (OC) This marvelous group of stars stands at the end ​ of the asterism chain of Kemble's Cascade.

Double Stars ● **Struve 485 (blue-white double star) Right in the middle of ​ ​ the lovely NGC 1502 cluster appears a pretty white close double of nearly equally bright stars. The slightly fainter companion is a variable star, bouncing between 7.0 and 7.3 in a period of only 2 days. SAO 013030 ​

24 ● *32 Camelopardalis (blue-white double star) Like Struve ​ 1625, this double lies in the topmost region of the Giraffe, close to Polaris. Surprisingly, it is the only numbered star in that top region. The binary contains a yellowish main star and an almost equally bright bluish secondary, widely split. SAO 02102 ​ ● *Struve 1625 (yellow-yellow double star) Two almost equal ​ ​ yellow stars are widely separated. This double lies in the topmost region of the faint constellation of the Giraffe, that is nearly close to Polaris. But the other fine double 32 Cam is even closer. RA: 12 16.2 Dec.: +80 08

Carbon Stars ● U Camelopardalis SAO 12870 ​ ● UV Camelopardalis SAO 13009 ​ ● XX Camelopardalis SAO 24431 ​ ● ST Camelopardalis SAO 13285 ​ ● S Camelopardalis SAO 13563 ​ ● RU Camelopardalis SAO 14157 ​

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Cassiopeia--Myth: Cassiopeia ​ ​ ​ was a queen in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, she boasted she was more beautiful than the sea called the . Her boast angered , god of the sea, who sent a sea monster, Cetus, to ravage the kingdom.

DSO’s ● **NGC 457 (OC) “ET” aka “Owl” aka “Dragonfly” Cluster ​ ​ ​ ​ ● **NGC 663 (OC) Lovely ​ ● **M52 (OC) with Bubble Nebula Closeby, but hard to see. ​ ​ ​ ● **M103 (OC) Has chain of stars like Orion’s Belt. ​ ● **NGC 7789 (OC) “Caroline’s Rose” Cluster ​ ​ ● *NGC 147 (Gal) and NGC 185 (Gal) ​ ​ ● *NGC 281 (Pac-Man Neb) with IC 1590 (OC) ​ ​ ● *IC 1805 (OC inside Heart Neb) with IC 1848 (Soul Neb) ​ ​ ​ ​ Olll filter helps. Looks like a baby. ● *Markarian 6 (OC) Looks like arrow (near IC 1805) ​ ​ ​ RA 02 29.40 /DEC +60.42 ● *NGC 7635 (Neb) with Bubble Nebula faint ​ ​ ​ ​ ● *NGC 129 (OC) ● *NGC 664 (OC) ● *NGC 1027 (OC)

26 Double Stars ● ***Eta Cassiopeia “Achird” (deep yellow-red double star) SAO 21732 ● **Iota Cassiopeia (double/triple star) SAO 12298 ​ ● **Struve 163 (yellow-blue double star) wide binary with ​ beautiful colors, lying just above the most NE star of the "W" figure. The main star is nicely orange colored, while the faint secondary is bluish. SAO 12006 ​ ● **Sigma Cassiopeiae (yellow-blue double star) A brilliant ​ white primary is nearly touched by a little point. Sigma is the star SW of the most NW star of the "W" shape. SAO 35947 ​ ● **OS 254 (OΣΣ 254) (orange-blue double star) SAO: 21002 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Carbon Stars ● WZ Cassiopeiae SAO 21002 ​ ● W Cassiopeiae ● V623 Cassiopeiae SAO 23858 ​ ​

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Cepheus--Myth When Cepheus' proud wife ​ ​ Cassiopeia foolishly boasted that Andromeda was more beautiful than the Nereids, not only the ​ ​ sea-nymphs themselves but also Poseidon was ​ ​ angered. Thus, the sea god sent a flood and a sea monster Cetus to attack the Aethiopian land. ​ ​ Cepheus and Cassiopeia then consulted an oracle, ​ ​ who declared that the calamity would not be brought to an end until their daughter Andromeda was offered up to the monster. The king chained the princess to a rock by the shore at the insistence of his people to be devoured by the sea monster Cetus. DSO’s ● **NGC 7023 (Neb) “” ● *IC 1396 (OC) Inside emission nebula 6x length of full moon. ​ ● *NGC 7510 (OC) ● *NGC 6939 (OC) and NGC 6946 (Galaxy) Hard to see. ​ ​ ​ ● *NGC 188 (OC) ● *NGC 7380 (OC) “Witch’s Hat” and “Wizard’s Nebula” ​ ​ Double star at peak. ● NGC 7160 (OC) ● NGC 7235 (OC) ● Markarian 50 (OC) with star SAO 20512 ​ ​ ​

Double Stars ● ***Struve 2816 (triple star) A fantastic triple lies in the star ​ cluster and nebula (difficult visually) of IC 1396 just under the house shape, that is also in the region of the red 'Garnet Star' Mu Cep. The brightest star has a yellowish tint, the two little ones are equally bright. ​SAO 033626 ● ** (variable yellow-blue double star) SAO 34508. ● ** (white-blue double star) A tiny blue gem ​ ​ appears next to the very bright white primary, fairly split. This double is the most NW star of the square of the house shape. SAO 10057 ​

28 ● ** (yellow-yellow double star) It is located right in ​ the middle of the square of the house pattern. A bright deep yellow main star shows a considerably fainter light yellow attendant next to it, easily split. This pair belongs to the real field of the Hyades stars. SAO 19827 ● **Struve 2893 (orange-blue double star) SAO 010284 ​ ● **Struve 2790 (red-blue double star) SAO 33443 ​ ● *15 Cepheus (white-blue double star) Part of a nice chain of ​ ​ ​ ​ four stars in a line. SAO 34016 ​ ● *Struve 440 (gold-green double star) SAO 33443. ​ ● *Struve 2790 (red-blue double star) An excellent double due ​ ​ ​ ​ to the primary's redness. SAO 33443 ​

Carbon Stars ● ** (Herschel’s Garnet Star-red supergiant) Deep ​ red color. SAO 33693 ​ ​ ● S Cephei SAO 10100 ​

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Andromeda--Myth: Mother ​ ​ ​ Cassiopiea bragged that she was more beautiful than the Nereids, the water nymphs. They complained to Poseiden, who grew angry and sent a sea monster Cetus to terrorize the kingdom of Ethiopia. In an effort to stop the monster, King Cepheus consulted an oracle and was told that they would have to sacrifice their beautiful daughter Andromeda to the sea monster. They chained her to rocks, whereby the hero Perseus returning home after slaying the gorgon Medusa, used the head of Medusa to freeze Cetus and took Andromeda to marry.

DSO’s ● **M31 (Galaxy) “” 400 billion stars, spiral ​ galaxy. Farthest object you can see with the naked eye. Viewed ​ ​ almost edge on. 2.5 million ly (*To find, the sharp “V” of Cassiopeia ​ ​ points to it. Also draw a line from the 3rd star Mirach across dimmer Andromeda star to M31.) ● **M32 (Galaxy) Brighter dwarf , cooler red and ​ ​ yellow stars. ● **M110 (Galaxy) Dwarf elliptical galaxy, cooler red and yellow ​ ​ stars. ● **NGC 7662 (Pl. Neb) “Blue Snowball” ● **NGC 752 (OC) Chain of bright stars. Use binos. 56 Andromedae ​ ​ (double star) lies within.

30 Double Stars ● *** “Almach” (gold-green double) (*To find, follow Andromeda from Alpheratz head (corner of Pegasus), through Mirach (middle star) to Almach (end star). It is just above the constellation Triangulum) Best at 77x. SAO 37735 ​ ● ** (red-red double star) 11 ly SAO 36248 ​ ​ ​ ● **Struve 3050 (yellow-yellow double star) SAO 73656 ​ ● * SAO 55331 ​ ● *Struve 79 SAO 036833 ​ ● *Hough 197 (triple star) pretty SAO 73068 ​ ● *Pi Andromedae (white-blue double star) SAO 54033 ​ ● Alven Clarck 1 (yellow-red double star) SAO 53825 ​

Carbon Stars ● SU Andromedae HD 225217 ​ ● VX Andromedae HD 1546 ​ ● AQ Andromedae HD 2342 ● NSV 15196 SAO 74353 (Andromeda) ​ ​

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Perseus--Myth: Slayed the gorgon Medusa, ​ ​ ​ snakes for hair, with the sword and shield from Minerva and winged feet from Mercury. He shielded his eyes and cut off her head. From the blood of Medusa sprang the great winged horse Pegasus. The star represents the head of Medusa.

DSO’s ● ***NGC 884/869 “Perseus ” Two open clusters ​ ​ of stars, side by side. (*To find, look between Mirfak (middle star) in ​ ​ ​ Perseus and Navi (middle star) of Cassiopeia.) 7300 ly ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● **M34 (OC) “Spiral Cluster” Low power. Lots of double stars. ​ ​ ● **NGC 1342 (OC) “Little Scorpion Cluster” ● *NGC 1528 (OC) and NGC 1545 (OC) Fainter ​ ​ ​ ● *NGC 1499 (California Neb) Hard to see. Low power/wide view, ​ tap scope. ● *M76 (Pl. Neb) “Little Dumbbell” aka “Butterfly Nebula” ​ ​ Use filter. ● *Stock 2 (OC) “Muscleman Cluster”--Low power/wide view. ​ Chain of stars near Double Cluster. RA 2 14.34 DEC +59 13 58 ​ ● *Mirfak (Star with OC) ● * Cluster (OC) aka Melotte 20 aka Collinder ​ ​ ​ ​ 39 (look for star Mirfak). RA 3 21.31 Dec +48 34 45 ​ ​ ​ ​ ● NGC 1023 (Galaxy) ● NGC 1333 (Neb)

32 Double Stars ● *** (gold-blue double star) This is the topmost star ​ of Perseus. It's a marvelous bright gold and little blue double, easily separated. A lot of stars glitter in this area. SAO 23655 ​ ● **Beta Persei “Algol” (blue-yellow double star) Demon Star, ​ head of Medusa, carried by Perseus and helped to slay the monster Cetus. Stars rotate around each other. Eclipsing binary, it dims and brightens every two days. SAO 38592 ​ ● **Theta Perseus (gold-blue double star) A brilliant golden ​ main star and fairly wide next to it a little blue gem. SAO 38288 ​ ● **56 Persei and Struve 533 (triple star) 3 stars in one line. ​ The southernmost is the other double 56 Per. The northernmost is Struve 533. It can be glimpsed as a deep yellow star and not so far from it a little blue attendant. SAO 57216 and SAO 57211 ​ ● **Struve 270 (yellow-purple double star) This relatively wide ​ double consists of a deep yellow primary and a moderately fainter light purple attendant. SAO 23389 ​ ​ ● **Struve 392 (orange-purple double star) This pair has two ​ ​ beautiful colors, a light orange primary and a fainter purple secondary, considerably wide split. It is located just north of the bright Alpha Per. SAO 24068 ● **Struve 434 (orange-blue double star) A deep orange main ​ star keeps an only slightly fainter light blue companion, very wide separated. SAO 56667 ​ ● * (blue-white double star) SAO 56840 ​ ● *Struve 301 (orange-blue double star) SAO 23611 ​

Carbon Stars ● Y Persei RA 3 27.42 Dec +44 10 36 ​ ● V466 Persei RA 3 41.29 Dec +51 30 11 ​

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Lacerta--Myth: The name Lacerta is ​ ​ Latin for "lizard". There is no mythology associated with this constellation. It is one of seven constellations created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century.

DSO’s ● NGC 7243 (OC) It has an ​ of 6.4 and is approximately 2,800 light years distant from the solar system. It lies in the vicinity of Alpha Lacertae. The cluster has an estimated age of just over a billion years. Most of the stars in it are white and blue in colour. ● NGC 7209 (OC) Very beautiful ​ cluster because of the very particular arrangement of the stars: Lots of stars in curved strings. The strings of brightest stars form the shape of a scorpion.

Double Stars ● **Struve 2894 (yellow-pink double star) Next to the yellow ​ ​ ​ ​ main star stands a much fainter pink-like component, fairly wide split. SAO 72228 ● **Struve 2902 (yellow-blue double star) A nearly orange ​ ​ ​ primary and a not much fainter bluish secondary form the colored twins. It is located in the middle of the zigzag pattern of the Lizard. The gap is fairly close. SAO 051957 ​

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Pegasus--Myth: a winged horse that ​ ​ ​ ​ sprang from the blood of the Gorgon ​ Medusa as she was beheaded by the hero ​ Perseus. Later was ridden by warrior ​ Bellerophon in his fight against the chimera, lion-headed and snake behind, a goat in the middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire.

DSO’s ● **M15 (Glob) “Great Pegasus Cluster” A globular star cluster ​ that contains more than 100,000 stars. It is one of the oldest globular clusters known. It is thought to be over 12 billion years old. 33,600 ly ​ ● *NGC 7331 (Gal) "Little Andromeda" Very pretty elongated ​ ​ ​ galaxy with bright core and extended outer regions. Almost edge-on.

Double Stars ● ***Struve 2841 (orange-green double star) A considerably ​ wide double with an nearly orange primary and a moderately fainter companion with a subtle greenish tint. This beautiful colored pair lies north of Epsilon Peg, the star with the globular M15 to its NW. SAO 107491 ● **Struve 2848 (yellow-yellow double star) Two almost equally ​ bright pale yellow stars are separated with a fairly wide gap. The companion has a more bluish shade. This double lies SE of Epsilon Peg, the star with the globular M15 to its NW. SAO 127196 ​ ● **Struve 3007 (yellow-blue double star) It is positioned ​ ​ almost in the middle of the big square pattern. It contains a deep yellow main star and fairly close to it a tiny bluish grey gem. SAO 091222 Carbon Stars RX Pegasi RA 21 56 22 DEC +22 51 39 ​ ​ RZ Pegasi RA 22 05 52 DEC +33 30 24 ​

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Triangulum--Myth: The name Triangulum ​ ​ ​ ​ is Latin for “triangle.” There is no mythology ​ associated with this constellation. All of its historic names have been derived from its shape. In ancient times, its distinctive shape of three stars was called Deltoton because it resembled the Greek letter delta.

DSO’s ● **M33 (Galaxy) “Pinwheel Galaxy” Spiral galaxy viewed almost ​ face-on. Challenging to see. Wide field but faint. 2.6 million ly ​

Double Stars ● **Iota Trianguli (yellow-blue double star) It lies just under ​ ​ the triangle. A binary with a yellow and a fainter blue star, nearly touching each other. SAO 55347 ​ ​ ● *Struve 239 (yellow-blue double star) Like the double Iota ​ Tri, this one also lies just under the triangle. It is a pretty pair of blue and yellow stars. SAO 075265 ​

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Aries--Myth: Aries represents the ​ ​ animal whose fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts. It’s a magnificent ram with a golden fleece.

DSO’s ● Few that are easy to see.

Double Stars ● ** “Mesarthim” (white-white double star) The third star of the "arc" of Aries, contains two equal bluish stars close to each other. SAO 92681 ​ ● ** (yellow-blue double star) It lies just right ​ of Alpha and Beta Ari. A bright yellow main star and widely a little blue one. SAO 075051 ​ ● **1 Ari (yellow-blue double star) This attractive double lies ​ just right of Alpha and Beta Ari. The double Lambda Ari stands also in that region. It has a yellow primary and close to it a fainter blue companion. SAO 74966 ​ ● **30 Ari (yellow-yellow double star) this double lies E of Alpha ​ Ari. It's a yellowish pair with only a slightly fainter companion, and a highly wide separation. SAO 75471 ​ ● **33 Ari (yellow-blue double star) this double lies E of Alpha ​ Ari. It includes a yellow primary and a much fainter blue companion, easily split. SAO 75510 ​ ● ***Struve 326 (orange-red double star) This attractive ​ double has beautiful colors, a light orange primary and a considerably fainter dark reddish secondary, moderately split. This pair lies NE of the brightest Alpha Arietis RA 02 55.6 Dec + 26 52 ​ ● *Pi Arietis (double/triple blue-yellow star) SAO 93127 ​ ● * (double star) SAO 75673. ​ Carbon Stars ● V Arietis SAO 92853 ​

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Pisces--Myth: Gaia sent Typhon, ​ ​ the scariest monster, to defeat the gods. He was as bad as bad can be. His upper body was that of a man, but his legs consisted of snakes. His head also was a collection of snake heads grown into fiery hair, which constantly released a terrible scream. Pan was first to see Typhon and turned into the Sea-goat . Typhon tried to attack Aphrodite and Eros, the gods of love. At the last moment, 2 fish appear and they let Aphrodite and Eros jump on their backs to safety. In another version, the mother and son were themselves transformed into fish.

DSO’s ● *M74 (Gal) Even though M74 is regarded as a classic example of a ​ grand-design spiral galaxy, it has a very low surface brightness, which makes it one of the most difficult Messier objects to observe with amateur equipment.

Double Stars ● **35 Psc (yellow-blue double star) It lies under the most SE ​ star of the square of Pegasus, just right of the other double 38 Psc. It appears as a wide double with a yellow primary and a fainter blue companion. SAO 109087 ​ ● **38 Psc (yellow-yellow double star) It lies under the most SE ​ star of the square of Pegasus, just left of the other double 35 Psc. It is a close double of equally bright yellow stars. SAO 109111 ​ ● **55 Psc (orange-blue double star) Lies just left of the square ​ of Pegasus, officially in the Pisces region. It's a close double with a bright orange primary and a much fainter blue secondary. SAO 74182 ​

38 ● **65 Psc (yellow-yellow double star) It is located left of the ​ most NE star of the square of Pegasus. A nice matching pair of equally bright yellow stars. SAO 74295 ​ ● **Psi 1 Piscium There are three Psi stars in the upper region of ​ ​ Pisces, left of the Pegasus square. Psi 1 contains two equally bright bluish stars, wide separated. SAO 74483 ​ ● **77 Psc (yellow-yellow double star) It's located just under ​ ​ Epsilon and Delta Psc, at the SE of the Pegasus square. It appears as a wide binary with a yellow primary and a yellow slightly fainter secondary. SAO 109666 ​ ● ** (white-yellow double star) It's located just ​ left of Epsilon and Delta Psc, at the SE of the Pegasus square. Appearing as a wide double with a white primary and a contrasting yellow slightly fainter companion. SAO 109740 ​ ​ ● **Struve 3009 (orange-purple double star) This fine double ​ is located south of the big square of Pegasus, in the westernmost circular asterism of the Fishes. It consists of a clearly orange main star and a two magnitudes fainter purple-like companion, moderately separated. SAO 128160 ​

Carbon Stars ● Z Piscium SAO 74593 ​ ● TX Piscium SAO 128374 ​ ● SAO 128396 ( ​ ​Pisces) ● SAO 109003 ( ​ ​Pisces)

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Cetus--Myth: Cetus was the sea ​ ​ monster that was sent by Poseidon to devour Andromeda, daughter of King Cepheus of Ethiopia. In some accounts, the Greek hero Perseus used the Medusa's head to turn Cetus to stone; in others, Perseus killed Cetus with his sword.

DSO’s ● M77 (Gal) Nice face-on ​ galaxy with bright core and fainter outer regions.

Notable Stars ● Mira (Variable Star)--Pulsating, red-giant star. Brightens, dims ​ and then brightens again in regular, predictable cycles of approximately 332 days. It always rises to its greatest splendor twice as fast as it fades to obscurity again. At its faintest, Mira is about 15 times dimmer than the faintest star you can see without a telescope. At maximum, it usually reaches third magnitude, or is about 250 times brighter. SAO 129825 ​ ● Alpha Ceti “Menkar”--the second-brightest star in the ​ ​ ​ ​ constellation of Cetus. It is a cool luminous . Appears as a double star in small telescopes, but in fact the two stars lie at very ​ ​ different distances. 250 ly SAO 110920 ​ ​ Double Stars ● 66 Cetus (yellow-purple double star) It rests directly NW of ​ the famous variable star Mira. The double exists obviously of a yellow primary and a considerably fainter purple component, very well split. SAO 129752 ● 37 Ceti (yellow-orange double star) A nice target for small ​ scopes and binos, light-yellow and orange. SAO 129193 ​ Carbon Stars SAO 129989 (Cetus) ​ ​ ​

40 Resources Websites: ● Astronomical League: Double Star Obseving Program https://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/dblstar/dblstar1.html ● Seasky.org “The Constellations” http://www.seasky.org/constellations/constellations.html ● The Coldfield Observatory: “Top 200 most beautiful Double Stars” http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars/ ● Fort Bend Astronomy Club List http://www.fbac.org/pdf_files/CarbonStar-List.pdf

Books: ● Guy Consolmagno, Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night ​ Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope ● Sue French, Celestial Sampler: 60 Small-Scope Tours for ​ Starlit Nights ● John Read 50 Things to See with a Small Telescope ​

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