Gliese 581
Also known as GJ 581
Gliese 581 is a BY dra variable star in the constellation Libra, about 21 light-years from Earth.
Red dwarf with several planets
Facts
| Type | BY dra variable star (spectral type M3V) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Libra |
| Position (J2000) | 15h 19m 26s, −7° 43′ |
| Distance | 21 light-years (its light set off about 21 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 10.56 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 728 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Gliese 581 is highest in the sky at midnight in May. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 62° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 32°. To see it you need a small telescope.
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