Star profile

Nu Octans

3D likeness based on its real data · class K · ~4,200 K

What is Nu Octans

Nu Octantis burns just 69 light-years away, close to the south celestial pole, within a constellation the northern civilisations never glimpsed. This orange K-type giant has been at the centre of a long astronomical controversy over a possible giant planet on an unusual orbit inside its system — a question still debated in the specialist literature.

Where it is and when to see it

Nu Octans lies in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is July, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it never rises above the horizon.
From New York it never rises above the horizon.
From Sydney it never sets and culminates about 47° up.

It can be seen from anywhere south of 13° N.

It is the brightest of the 35 stars of Octans 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 69 years ago.

Find it on the sky map

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Leave your signature on Nu Octans

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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 Nu Octans

Constellation: Octans
Apparent magnitude: 3.73
Distance: 69.2 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 325.369° · Dec -77.390°
Catalogue: HIP 107089 · HD 205478

A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.

Other stars in Octans

Octans has 35 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 35 stars in Octans