Beta Phoenicis — Double Star in Phoenix
About Beta Phe
Description
Beta Phoenicis is a yellow giant of spectral type G8III at magnitude 3.31, the second brightest star in Phoenix. Located about 198 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 165 times solar. It is a spectroscopic binary.
Observing Tips
Beta Phe lies in the body of Phoenix, south of Sculptor. It pairs with the brighter Ankaa (Alpha Phe) to define this faint southern constellation. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes. Best observed October through December.
History
Beta Phoenicis has no traditional proper name. Phoenix was created from Dutch navigators' observations and represents the mythical firebird that regenerates from its own ashes.
Fun Facts
The Phoenix constellation is one of the larger southern constellations created in the age of exploration, but it is faint enough that most northern-hemisphere observers have never seen it.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to split?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | V. hard | V. hard | V. hard |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Hard | Hard | Hard |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Hard | Hard | Hard |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Multiple Star System Triple
Separation over time
Apparent separation over time, computed from ORB6 orbital elements. Steep curves indicate fast-changing pairs — catch them while they're splittable.
Eyepiece View
A: 3.3 · B: 4.2 · Sep: 0.8″ · PA: 67° · N up, E right
Unresolved · Rayleigh: 2.3″ · Dawes: 1.9″ · Eff: 2.3″
Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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