Sky Tonight—February 3, Double Cluster of Perseus in northwest
These two open star clusters reside an estimated 7,400 light years away. Each contains 300 to 400 stars.
EarthSky Tonight—Algol, a famous variable star, dimmest tonight
Algol is what astronomers call an eclipsing binary star. In other words, the single point of light that we see as Algol is really two stars.
EarthSky Tonight—Tonight Nov 5, Constellation Cassiopeia high in northeast on November evenings
Cassiopeia was a queen in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, she boasted she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs, called the Nereids.
EarthSky Tonight—Oct. 30, As Halloween approaches, find the Ghoul Star of Perseus
This star’s proper name comes from the Arabic for head of the ghoul, or head of the demon.
EarthSky Tonight—September 17, Close-up on constellation Perseus the Hero and Demon Star
Thus, Algol is what has been called an “eclipsing variable star.”
EarthSky Tonight—Sept 16, Cassiopeia and Perseus in northeast on September evenings
Perseus (the Hero) follows Cassiopeia across the night sky.
EarthSky Tonight—August 13, Moon and Venus, more Perseid meteors, and two star clusters
last chance to see a good display of meteors before dawn August 14. In addition, as night falls this evening, you can see Venus near the waxing crescent moon in…
Earthsky Tonight—August 12, Moon and Venus in evening, 2010 Perseid meteors before dawn
The 2010 Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight. Look late tonight and between midnight and dawn on Friday, August 13.
Earthsky Tonight – August 11, How to find the radiant point for Perseid meteors
The 2010 Perseid meteors are peaking over the next few days. As always, you will see the most meteors between midnight and dawn.
Earthsky Tonight—August 4, Cassiopeia the Queen on summer evenings
Queen Cassiopeia was said to have offended the sea nymphs, or Nereids, by boasting that her own beauty was greater than theirs. It is said that the nymphs appealed to…