Chi Cygni: It Comes and Goes
August 09, 2024
Photographer: Paolo Palma
Summary Author: Paolo Palma
Shown above is the astounding variable star, Chi Cygnus, once again visible to the naked eye and adding to the myriad stars that draw the summer Milky Way. Chi Cygni is one of the most famous variable stars in the sky because like few others it's literally capable of appearing and disappearing from the celestial vault at intervals of about a year. After having reached a magnitude of nearly +14 (invisible even through small telescopes), within about 6 months it can reach magnitude +5, becoming visible to the naked eye away from city lights.
To see it again you'll have to wait about 400 days, so better not miss it. Look for it near the middle of the Summer Triangle. If you live in on near a city, grab a pair of binoculars and step outside on the next clear night. Photo taken on July 27, 2024, from Monte San Giovanni in Sabina, Italy, near the city of Rieti.
Photo Details: Huawei telescope; ISO 1250; 20 second exposure; single shot.
Monte San Giovanni in Sabina, Italy Coordinates: 42.3278, 12.7780
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