When is the best time to observe Kappa Pyxidis?

Kappa Pyxidis is best observed from January through March, with peak visibility during February when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Kappa Pyxidis located in the sky?

Kappa Pyxidis lies in the constellation Pyxis at right ascension 09h 08m and declination -25° 52′.

What telescope do I need to split Kappa Pyxidis?

Splitting Kappa Pyxidis requires an aperture of roughly 440 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 2.1″ at magnitudes near 4.6. The companion is about 5.5 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Kappa Pyxidis — Double Star in Pyxis

Magnitude 4.6^m DoubleStar Pyxis (Pyx) Visible

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Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.58

Spectral Type K4III giant

Star Color Red (B-V 1.59)

Distance 251 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 09h 08m 02.9s

Dec -25° 51' 30.0"

Constellation Pyxis (Pyx)

HR 3628

HIP 44824

HD 78541

SAO 177002

Bayer Kappa

Double Cat 7202

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.6 mag Companion 10.1 mag Separation 2.1″

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