Hamal
Also known as α Ari · HR 617
Hamal is a high proper motion star in the constellation Aries, about 65.8 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | High proper motion star (spectral type K2-IIIbCa-1) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Aries |
| Position (J2000) | 2h 07m 10s, +23° 27′ |
| Distance | 65.8 light-years (its light set off about 65.8 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 2.01 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 647 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Hamal is highest in the sky at midnight in October. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 87° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 63°. 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 Aries
Everything in Aries · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits