Propus
Also known as η Gem · HR 2216
Propus is a red giant branch star in the constellation Gemini, about 690 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Red giant branch star (spectral type M2IIIa) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Gemini |
| Position (J2000) | 6h 14m 52s, +22° 30′ |
| Distance | 690 light-years (its light set off about 690 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 3.28 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 269 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Propus is highest in the sky at midnight in December. 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 Gemini
Everything in Gemini · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits