Star profile

HIP 51046

Cool red star

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

What is HIP 51046

In the unobtrusive constellation of Sextans — an astronomical instrument turned figure by Hevelius — burns a red M-type giant, cool and vast. Its 397 light-years were born when Galileo was still pointing his spyglass at Jupiter and discovering its Medicean moons, quietly opening a new astronomy. The light now reaching us is coeval with those first telescopic observations that forever altered our place.

Where it is and when to see it

HIP 51046 lies in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is March, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 31° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 42° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 63° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere south of 83° N.

It ranks no. 6 in brightness among the 17 stars of Sextans in our catalogue. To find it, start from Alpha Sextantis, the brightest: it lies about 8° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 400 years ago.

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Astronomical data for HIP 51046

Constellation: Sextans
Apparent magnitude: 5.60
Distance: 396.8 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 156.434° · Dec -7.060°
Catalogue: HIP 51046 · HD 90362

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

Other stars in Sextans

Sextans has 17 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 17 stars in Sextans