R136a1
Also known as RMC 136a1
R136a1 is a Wolf-Rayet star in the constellation Dorado.
The most massive star known
Facts
| Type | Wolf-Rayet star (spectral type WN5h) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Dorado |
| Position (J2000) | 5h 38m 42s, −69° 06′ |
| Brightness | magnitude 12.77 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 101 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
R136a1 is highest in the sky at midnight in December. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 1° above the horizon; from 50° N it never rises. To see it you need a large telescope or long-exposure photos.
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 Dorado
Everything in Dorado · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits