Normally, Algol appears 3.3 times brighter than during the peak of the eclipse; it usually shines at magnitude 2.1, about equal to the star Almach (Gamma Andromedae), but at intervals of 2.867 ...

All these spooky names come from the fact that, for astronomers past and present, Algol has been considered, well, spooky, because it’s constantly changing in brightness. That’s because it’s ...

Algol the Demon In the constellation of Perseus there is a certain star that flickers at us. Every three days it dims down, and brightens back up over the course of 10 hours. This flicker was not ...

It's known as Algol, the Demon Star, and we can see it shining diabolically in our sky each year around Halloween. To find it, go outdoors in the evening and look low toward the northeast. After it ...

It's known as Algol, the Demon Star, and we can see it shining diabolically in our sky each year around Halloween. To find it, go outdoors in the evening and look low toward the northeast. After it ...

Algol represents the head of Medusa, whose gaze, according to classical mythology, would turn men to stone. Medusa, known to most of us as a monster, was not only that way. Originally a beautiful ...

In the constellation Perseus the Hero, the star Algol is fun to watch due to its regular changes in brightness. And you don’t even need a telescope. Officially designated Beta Persei, it’s the ...

Outside of eclipse, Algol shines at magnitude 2.1. But at minimum, when its fainter companion mostly covers Algol A, the star dims to 3.4.

Algol stands nearly overhead in late January as soon as it gets dark, around 6:30-7 p.m. local time. To find the star, start with the Pleiades cluster (Seven Sisters) and look not quite two fists ...

What makes Algol interesting to modern astronomers, however, is that it does not shine with a constant light. Every 2.85739 days, the star dims noticeably for about five hours, then gradually ...

This week you may want to check Algol out with your own eyes. Use the sky image I’ve provided to find it high in the northeastern sky after dark this week. Begin by finding the pattern of stars ...

Looking Up: See the star Algol in the constellation Perseus slowly blink. Plus, enjoy a brilliant Jupiter and catch the Double Cluster full of stars.