Observing double (or binary) stars is a great way to beat light
pollution in urban skies. Though they lack the appeal of the deep-sky objects you see in magazines, they are a lot easier
to observe visually than "faint fuzzies". There is an understated elegance in many of these pairs, particularly
those with color differences. Albireo (pictured below) is simply magnificent in any telescope, large or small.
Because Albireo is so bright, this image did not capture the gold and blue colors nearly as well as an eyepiece view.
I also foolishly left the LPR filter in place.
My observing list includes many double stars for urban observers
(see Tools). The tighter doubles are used to validate optics and test visual acuity. I've found that night vision
is detrimental; go ahead and look at something bright before observing binary stars. You want to reduce your eye's pupil
size a little to maximize clarity and color reception.
