When is the best time to observe Eta Phoenicis?

Eta Phoenicis is best observed from August through October, with peak visibility during September when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Eta Phoenicis located in the sky?

Eta Phoenicis lies in the constellation Phoenix at right ascension 00h 43m and declination -57° 28′.

What telescope do I need to split Eta Phoenicis?

Splitting Eta Phoenicis requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 20.1″ at magnitudes near 4.4. The companion is about 7.1 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Eta Phoenicis — Double Star in Phoenix

Magnitude 4.4^m DoubleStar Phoenix (Phe) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.36

Spectral Type A0IV subgiant

Star Color White (B-V 0.00)

Distance 71 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 00h 43m 21.2s

Dec -57° 27' 47.0"

Constellation Phoenix (Phe)

HR 191

HIP 3405

HD 4150

SAO 232162

Bayer Eta

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.4 mag Companion 11.5 mag Separation 20.1″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Hard	V. hard+	V. hard+
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Medium+	Medium	Hard+
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Medium+	Medium+	Medium

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

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

4Visibility

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Best season Aug – Oct (peak: Sep)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 20.1″

Companion Mag 11.5

Companion Sp G8

Position Angle 218°

Star Colors A: White B: Orange

Discoverer HJ 3391

Separation over time

Measured 1835 → 1999 (164 y)

Separation drift 22.0" → 20.1" (-1.90")

Rate -0.0116" / y

PA drift 210° → 218° (+8°, +0.049°/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.