One of the sky’s finest binary stars for backyard scopes, Albireo (Beta [β] Cygni) marks the head of Cygnus the Swan, making it easy to find on summer and autumn nights. It may look like just another ...

Tonight, we’re visiting a summertime favorite: the double star Albireo in Cygnus the Swan. Already 60° high in the east an hour after sunset, Albireo — also cataloged as Beta (β) Cygni — marks the ...

Many stargazers are surprised to learn that stars do not all appear the same but actually display different colors. Those that appear white are hotter than those that are orange or red. And bluish ...

Telescopes 4 inches or less in diameter are portable, easy to use, and great beginner instruments. Here, I’ll walk through ...

I’ve been gazing skyward now for nearly six decades, and I’m still amazed at all we can see if we just take the time to look up into a dark sky. Add to that a small backyard telescope and the ...

Summer's most colorful double star is calling your name. Albireo (al-BEER-ee-oh), in the foot of the Northern Cross, is a gorgeous gold and pale blue pair that even the smallest telescope can split.