Star profile
Gamma Equuleus
Variable starWhat is Gamma Equuleus
Gamma Equulei is a peculiar variable star about 118 light-years away, known for its rapid oscillations and for a magnetic field that organises surface elements into unusual chemical bands. In Equuleus —the second-smallest constellation in the sky— it is the main player. A spectroscopic rarity that helps probe the subtle pulse of Ap stars.
Where it is and when to see it
Gamma Equuleus lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is August, when it culminates around midnight.
- From London it culminates about 49° above the horizon.
- From New York it culminates about 59° above the horizon.
- From Sydney it culminates about 46° above the horizon.
It can be seen from anywhere north of 80° S.
It ranks no. 3 in brightness among the 12 stars of Equuleus in our catalogue. To find it, start from Kitalpha, the brightest: it lies about 5° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).
The light you see today left it about 120 years ago.
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A public signature from a real person. The chosen name is a symbolic denomination within Stelvia, with no official standing or IAU recognition: the sky is not for sale and belongs to no one.
Astronomical data for Gamma Equuleus
- Constellation
- Equuleus
- Apparent magnitude
- 4.70
- Distance
- 118.4 light years
- Coordinates (J2000)
- RA 317.585° · Dec 10.132°
- Catalogue
- HIP 104521 · HD 201601
A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.
Other stars in Equuleus
Equuleus has 12 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.
- KitalphaAlpha Equuleus3.92
- Delta Equuleus4.47
- Beta Equuleus5.16
- HIP 1035715.24
- Epsilon Equuleus5.30
- HYG 1193975.40
- 3 Equuleus5.63
- 9 Equuleus5.81