Located within the constellation Perseus lies a star called Algol, also known as \u2018Demon Star\u2019 or \u2018The Ghoul\u2019. You can spot this star during the autumn months, along with Cassiopeia and Andromeda in the northeastern sky, beginning after 9 PM. In Greek mythology, this star represents the \u2018blinking eye\u2019 of the gorgon Medusa. But how can a star blink?<\/p>\n
Algol is a triple-star system, with two of the three stars orbiting one another. This eclipsing binary<\/a> causes the system to go from a bright +2.1 magnitude to a slightly dimmer +3.4 magnitude about every three days. Using data from NASA\u2019s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite<\/a> (TESS) mission, this light curve shows the regular dimming, or Medusa\u2019s \u2018blinking eye\u2019!<\/p>\n There is no shortage of resources on how to calculate the dimming \u2013 or minima \u2013 of Algol, from interactive charts to data plots. Find the one that works best for you. Because it has a similar magnitude of brightness, you can compare Algol\u2019s brightness to the nearby star Almach (Gamma Andromedae) in Andromeda using a small telescope or binoculars.<\/p>\n Between the Eridanus and Orion constellations lies a spooky silhouette, illuminated by the star Rigel. IC 2118, or the Witch Head Nebula<\/a>, is a reflection nebula about 900 light-years away from Earth. Because reflection nebulae rely on nearby starlight to appear visible, they can be difficult to see with the naked eye, especially if they are as far away as this one. While the Witch Head Nebula can\u2019t be seen with the naked eye, telescopes with very large apertures and low magnification make it easier to catch under dark skies. Astrophotographers, with or without smart telescopes, can image this haunting outline within a few hours, depending on equipment and sky quality. And what is a witch without their broom<\/a>! You can find the Witch’s Broom in the Western Veil Nebula, located in the constellation Cygnus.<\/p>\n