When is the best time to observe Epsilon Normae?

Epsilon Normae is best observed from April through June, with peak visibility during May when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Epsilon Normae located in the sky?

Epsilon Normae lies in the constellation Norma at right ascension 16h 27m and declination -47° 33′.

What telescope do I need to split Epsilon Normae?

Splitting Epsilon Normae requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 22.9″ at magnitudes near 4.5. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Epsilon Normae — Double Star in Norma

Observable Double Star Excellent (60/100)

Sep: 22.9", Companion: mag 6.1

Magnitude 4.5^m DoubleStar Norma (Nor) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.47

Spectral Type B4V

Star Color Blue (B-V -0.07)

2Position & Identifiers

RA 16h 27m 11.1s

Dec -47° 33' 18.0"

Constellation Norma (Nor)

HR 6115

HIP 80582

HD 147971

SAO 226773

Bayer Epsilon

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.5 mag Companion 6.1 mag Separation 22.9″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Easy	Easy	Easy
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Easy	Easy	Easy
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Easy	Easy	Easy

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Apr – Jun (peak: May)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 22.9″

Companion Mag 6.1

Position Angle 334°

Star Colors A: Blue B: Yellow-white

Discoverer HJ 4853

Notes

Companion 7.46v B9V, CPM, possibly binary with the SB.

Separation over time

Measured 1835 → 2016 (181 y)

Separation drift 25.0" → 22.9" (-2.10")

Rate -0.0116" / y

PA drift 337° → 334° (-3°, -0.017°/y)

Slow change over generations — observable in lifetime comparisons.

Measured from the WDS observational archive. No orbital solution has been derived — most likely the period is too long to fit an orbit to the available measurement arc.