- Alcor (star) (Wikipedia)
Alcor (/ˈælkɔːr/) is a binary star system in the constellation of Ursa Major. It is the fainter companion of Mizar, the two stars forming a naked eye double in the handle of the Big Dipper (or Plough) asterism in Ursa Major. The two both lie about 83 light-years away from the Sun, as measured by the Hipparcos astrometry satellite.
- Sloan Peak (summitpost.org)
Sloan Peak stands high above peaks of the Mountain Loop Highway. It’s distinctive profile makes it visible across wide regions of the Cascades. The first ascent was made by Harry Bedal and Nels Skaar on July 30, 1921. Some say Sloan resembles a ship gliding across a snowy sea. It’s nearest higher neighbor is Glacier Peak to the east.