Unukalhai
Also known as α Ser · HR 5854
Unukalhai is a high proper motion star in the constellation Serpens, about 83 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | High proper motion star (spectral type K2IIIbCN1) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Serpens |
| Position (J2000) | 15h 44m 16s, +6° 25′ |
| Distance | 83 light-years (its light set off about 83 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 2.63 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 536 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Unukalhai is highest in the sky at midnight in May. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 76° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 46°. 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 Serpens
Everything in Serpens · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits