Altair
Also known as α Aql · HR 7557
Altair is a delta Sct variable star in the constellation Aquila, about 16.7 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Delta Sct variable star (spectral type A7Vn) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Aquila |
| Position (J2000) | 19h 50m 46s, +8° 52′ |
| Distance | 16.7 light-years (its light set off about 16.7 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 0.76 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 925 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Altair is highest in the sky at midnight in July. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 79° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 49°. To see it you need the naked eye, even from a town.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Aquila
- Eta Aquilae
- Gaia BH3
- GRS 1915+105
- HD 180617
- Hulse-Taylor Pulsar
- Manatee Nebula
- Phantom Streak Nebula (NGC 6741)
- SS 433
Everything in Aquila · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits