Discover the Cosmic Wonder of Delta Cephei!

Get ready to kick off September with a celestial spectacle! Tonight, gaze up at the night sky and witness Delta Cephei, the famous Cepheid variable star that revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

Where to Spot This Stellar Gem!

Delta Cephei can be found in the constellation Cepheus, representing a king. This majestic constellation dominates the northern sky after dark, showcasing a distinct house-shaped outline that evolves from an upside-down position to a side view as the night progresses.

Approximately two hours post-sunset, look for Cepheus towering 50° high in the north. The peak of its roof is highlighted by Gamma Cep, a magnitude 3.2 star. The eaves are marked by two more stars, Beta and Iota Cep, both around magnitude 3.2 and 3.5, respectively. And just a bit above Zeta Cep (magnitude 3.4), our target, Delta Cep, is located approximately 2.5° northeast of Zeta.

Watch the Stars Transform!

Delta Cephei shines between magnitudes 3.6 and 4.3 over a cycle of 5.366 days. Use Zeta Cep to judge Delta’s brightness—does it rival Zeta, or is it more subdued? Make it a nightly ritual to observe how Delta’s brightness fluctuates. For those skilled in astrophotography, capture the star each night to visually track its intriguing changes, making the experience even more rewarding.

Tonight’s Celestial Timings!

- **Sunrise:** 6:28 A.M. - **Sunset:** 7:31 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 3:55 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing Gibbous (64%) *All times are local for the northern hemisphere.

Don’t Miss Out!

Gather your friends, grab a telescope, and embark on a starry adventure! Delta Cephei awaits your discovery, transforming the night sky into a cosmic playground.