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Haedus

Also known as η Aur · HR 1641

Haedus is a high proper motion star in the constellation Auriga, about 230 light-years from Earth.

Haedus: a sky-survey photograph of its field
Sky survey view (DSS2 colour, or a backup survey)

Facts

TypeHigh proper motion star (spectral type B3V)
ConstellationAuriga
Position (J2000)5h 06m 30s, +41° 14′
Distance230 light-years (its light set off about 230 years ago)
Brightnessmagnitude 3.18 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6)
Studied in391 scientific papers (SIMBAD)

When and how to see it

Haedus is highest in the sky at midnight in December. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 69° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 81°. 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 Auriga

Everything in Auriga · All 88 constellations · All sky objects

Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits