When is the best time to observe Psi Andromedae?

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

Where is Psi Andromedae located in the sky?

Psi Andromedae lies in the constellation Andromeda at right ascension 23h 46m and declination +46° 25′.

What telescope do I need to split Psi Andromedae?

Splitting Psi Andromedae requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 186.9″ at magnitudes near 5.0. The companion is about 4.5 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Psi Andromedae — Double Star in Andromeda

DoubleStar Andromeda (And) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.95

Spectral Type G5Ib+A0V

Star Color Orange (B-V 1.11)

Distance 3,262 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 23h 46m 02.1s

Dec +46° 25' 13.0"

Constellation Andromeda (And)

HR 9003

HIP 117221

HD 223047

Bayer Psi

Flamsteed 20 And

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 5.0 mag Companion 9.5 mag Separation 186.9″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Medium+	Medium+	Medium
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 Aug – Oct (peak: Sep)

5Multiple Star System Quadruple

Components 4 (quadruple)

Component IDs AD

Separation 186.9″

Companion Mag 9.5

Companion Sp A0V

Position Angle 152°

Star Colors A: Orange D: Blue-white

Discoverer BU 1532

Notes

Component A has composite spectrum but star unresolved by interferometer. vsini of G5 component <19:k/s, A0 component | =<50k/s. Component B, 14.6v at 25"; C, 13.1v at 62".

Separation over time

Measured 1879 → 2015 (136 y)

Separation drift 184.0" → 186.9" (+2.90")

Rate +0.0213" / y

PA drift 152° → 152° (+0°, +0.000°/y)

Apparent motion is significant on a human timescale — worth revisiting in a decade.

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.