About Mu Vel
Description
Mu Velorum is a binary star system at magnitude 2.69 in Vela, consisting of a yellow giant (G5III) and a fainter yellow companion (G2V). Located about 117 light-years from Earth, the primary has a luminosity of roughly 107 times solar. The two components can be resolved in a small telescope.
Observing Tips
Mu Vel lies in the central part of Vela, separated from the other bright Vela stars. A small telescope resolves the pair at about 2.6 arcseconds separation. The color similarity of the two components (both yellow) makes this a subtle but pleasing double. Visible from the southern hemisphere. Best observed February through May.
History
Mu Velorum has no traditional proper name. As part of the former Argo Navis constellation, it was designated by Lacaille during his southern sky survey from the Cape of Good Hope in the 1750s.
Fun Facts
Mu Vel's secondary component is a G2V star — the same spectral type as our Sun. Seeing it next to the evolved giant primary gives a visual impression of what the Sun's companion might look like if the Sun had a giant star nearby.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to split?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Hard | Hard | Hard |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Medium+ | Medium+ | Medium+ |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Multiple Star System
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: 2.7 · B: 5.7 · Sep: 2.3″ · PA: 59° · N up, E right
Resolved · Rayleigh: 2.3″ · Dawes: 1.9″ · Eff: 2.3″
Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
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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