Nova Not the Only Interesting Star in Delphinus

There has been a lot of talk  in the astronomy community over the last week about Nova Delphini 2013.  Novae are actually double star systems in which one component is a massive star that strips material from a large, low density companion.  Once enough gas has fallen onto the massive star it "ignites" and its brightness flares up; sometimes hundreds of times its usual brightness.

Yet Nova Delphini 2013 is not the only interesting star in Delphinus.  The star known as Sualocin (α Delphini) is also a multiple star system consisting of 7 components.  The brightest (which we see with the naked eye) is a spectral type A star, meaning it is white in color and therefore very hot.

Binoculars or a telescope will be needed to resolve the close companion.  

Delphinus and the star Saulocin.  Created by the author using Stellarium. 

Nova in Delphinus Brightens

Its not often that a nova becomes visible in the sky; rarer still is when a nova becomes bright enough to the unaided eye.  Nova Delphini 2013 in Delphinus has brightened considerably since its discovery 3 days ago.  

This article in Universe Today (by Nancy Atkinson) is an update on the nova discovered on August 14, and includes a number of very good images taken by average observers.  

Update on the Bright Nova Delphini 2013

The new nova is located in Delphinus alongside the familiar Summer Triangle outlined by Deneb, Vega and Altair. This map shows the sky looking high in the south for mid-northern latitudes around 10 p.m. local time in mid-August. The new object is ideally placed for viewing. Stellarium.

Nova Flares in Constellation Delphinus

Think that it is only professional astronomers that make new discoveries?  Think again.  An amateur Japanese astronomer used a 7 inch reflecting telescope to discover  a nova, a word that literally means "New Star"

This fantastic article from Universe Today includes several star maps and a discussion on what a Nova is (not to be confused with a Super Nova).

Bright New Nova in Delphinus - You can See it Tonight With Binoculars

The possible new nova is located in Delphinus alongside the familiar Summer Triangle outlined by Deneb, Vega and Altair. This may shows the sky looking high in the south for mid-northern latitudes around 10 p.m. local time in mid-August. The new object is ideally placed for viewing. Stellarium