Star profile

Xi Serpens

3D likeness based on its real data · class F · ~6,500 K

What is Xi Serpens

Xi Serpentis lies in the tail of the Serpent, that single body split into two among the constellation catalogue. It is an F-type subgiant, its pale yellow tint betraying the unstable poise of a star that has begun to leave youth behind. At about 105 light-years, it is near enough that its light reaches us almost as a memory of a century barely past.

Where it is and when to see it

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

From London it culminates about 23° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 34° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 71° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere south of 75° N.

It ranks no. 4 in brightness among the 65 stars of Serpens in our catalogue. To find it, start from Unukalhai, the brightest: it lies about 36° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 110 years ago.

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Astronomical data for Xi Serpens

Constellation: Serpens
Apparent magnitude: 3.54
Distance: 105.3 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 264.397° · Dec -15.399°
Catalogue: HIP 86263 · HD 159876

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