Piazzi's Flying Star

Sounds like it should be in the circus. :laugh:

I was moving around northern Cygnus tonight, hunting down doubles, Uranometria stated that Piazzi's Flying Star was in the vicinity, so I decided to check it out. I was expecting it to be a simple star, I was surprised to find that it is a beautiful double star, easily split at X30 in the 110mm refractor, into a pair of lovely pale orange stars.

Checking my double star list I found it is also known as 61 Cygni, and I have observed it in the past.

Piazzi's Flying Star lives up to it's name, it moves the distance equivalent of the full moon every 340 years.

Next time you are in the region of northern Cygnus, east of Deneb, take the time and check it out, it will be worth your time.

Paul

east of Deneb

Whoops, I meant west of Deneb. :blush:

Hi Paul,

I know it's moving fast, but according to my charts it was still south east of Deneb up to about a year ago.

Mike

Oh yes, Paul. I have observed 61 Cygni in times past.

16 Cygni is also another stunning double. It is west of Deneb with the planetary nebula NGC 6826 beside it. Do keep on racking those Cygnus doubles while we can.

Aubrey.

I know it's moving fast, but according to my charts it was still south east of Deneb up to about a year ago.

Mike

You're always picking on me, you're nothing but a bully.

I get the name of one star in Lepus wrong and a slightly wrong location for 61 Cygni and you can't let me alone.

I'll have to report you to the mods.

Paul

Nah, just kidding Mike.

One other thing, if it's a double star, should it not be called Piazzi's Flying Stars?

Paul