Star profile

Unukalhai

Alpha Serpens · Serpens

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

What is Unukalhai

Unukalhai is an orange class-K giant resting 74 light-years away, close enough that its hue is visible without instruments. Its Arabic name, «'unuq al-hayya», means «the serpent's neck», and marks the exact point where Serpens bends in the sky between the head and body of the mythological reptile. It is the only truly bright star in an otherwise discreet constellation, which is why it stands out with the steadiness of an eye opened in the dark.

Where it is and when to see it

Unukalhai lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is May, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 45° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 56° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 50° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 84° S.

It is the brightest of the 65 stars of Serpens 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 74 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 Unukalhai

Constellation: Serpens
Apparent magnitude: 2.63
Distance: 74.0 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 236.067° · Dec 6.426°
Catalogue: HIP 77070 · HD 140573

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

Other stars in Serpens

Serpens has 65 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 65 stars in Serpens