Brachium
Also known as σ Lib · HR 5603
Brachium is a mira variable star in the constellation Libra, about 260 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Mira variable star (spectral type M2.5III) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Libra |
| Position (J2000) | 15h 04m 04s, −25° 16′ |
| Distance | 260 light-years (its light set off about 260 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 3.21 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 195 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Brachium is highest in the sky at midnight in May. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 45° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 15°. 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 Libra
Everything in Libra · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits