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Markeb

Also known as κ Vel · HR 3734

Markeb is a spectroscopic binary star in the constellation Vela, about 570 light-years from Earth.

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

Facts

TypeSpectroscopic binary star (spectral type B2IV)
ConstellationVela
Position (J2000)9h 22m 06s, −55° 00′
Distance570 light-years (its light set off about 570 years ago)
Brightnessmagnitude 2.47 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6)
Studied in173 scientific papers (SIMBAD)

When and how to see it

Markeb is highest in the sky at midnight in February. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 15° above the horizon; from 50° N it never rises. 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 Vela

Everything in Vela · All 88 constellations · All sky objects

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