Star profile

Kitalpha

Alpha Equuleus · Equuleus

3D likeness based on its real data · class G · ~5,500 K

What is Kitalpha

Kitalpha is «the piece of the horse» in Arabic, a linguistic survivor of Equuleus, the small constellation of the foal that timidly peeks out beside the imposing figure of Pegasus in the autumn sky. It is a yellowish star 190 light-years away, similar to the Sun in colour but slightly older and noticeably more luminous than our own daytime star. Equuleus is the second smallest constellation in the entire firmament, and Kitalpha is practically the only astronomically notable resident.

Where it is and when to see it

Kitalpha 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 44° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 55° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 51° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 85° S.

It is the brightest of the 12 stars of Equuleus in our catalogue, which makes it the best starting point for finding your way around the constellation.

The light you see today left it about 190 years ago.

Find it on the sky map

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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 Kitalpha

Constellation: Equuleus
Apparent magnitude: 3.92
Distance: 190.3 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 318.956° · Dec 5.248°
Catalogue: HIP 104987 · HD 202447

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.

See all 12 stars in Equuleus