October 2007

A Selection of Double Stars in Cygnus

: By Glenn Chaple
Although it’s a Summer Triangle constellation, Cygnus remains well-seen throughout the autumn months. Located in the star-rich fields of the Milky Way, the Swan is home to numerous double stars. Here are eight of the most noteworthy (data from the Washington Double Star Catalog.

October Meteor Showers

: By Dave Huestis
October provides us with two note-worthy meteor showers, the Draconids on October 8-9 and the Orionids on October 20-21.
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Comet 17P/Holmes

On Wednesday, October 24, 2007 an obscure periodic comet Holmes experienced a sudden flare-up, bringing it from 17th magnitude to a 2.5 in just a few hours. The comet remains a large and diffuse glow in Perseus. From a dark, moonless sky it can still be seen naked-eye, but it is best seen with binoculars.

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