When is the best time to observe Xi Phoenicis?

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

Where is Xi Phoenicis located in the sky?

Xi Phoenicis lies in the constellation Phoenix at right ascension 00h 42m and declination -56° 30′.

What telescope do I need to split Xi Phoenicis?

Splitting Xi Phoenicis requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 13.1″ at magnitudes near 5.7. The companion is about 4.2 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Xi Phoenicis — Double Star in Phoenix

Magnitude 5.7^m DoubleStar Phoenix (Phe) Visible

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Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 5.70

Range 5.68 - 5.78

Period 4.0 days

Variable Type Alpha2 CVn (Magnetic Rotating)

Spectral Type ApSrEuCr

Star Color Yellow-white (B-V 0.20)

2Position & Identifiers

RA 00h 41m 46.4s

Dec -56° 30' 06.0"

Constellation Phoenix (Phe)

HR 183

HIP 3277

HD 3980

SAO 232152

Bayer Xi

Variable ID Xi Phe

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 5.7 mag Companion 10.0 mag Separation 13.1″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Medium+	Medium	Hard+
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Easy	Easy	Medium+
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)

5Light Curve

6Multiple Star System

Separation 13.1″

Companion Mag 9.9

Position Angle 252°

Star Colors A: Yellow-white B: Orange

Discoverer HJ 3387

Notes

CPM.

Separation over time

Measured 1834 → 2016 (182 y)

Separation drift 15.0" → 13.1" (-1.90")

Rate -0.0104" / y

PA drift 252° → 252° (+0°, +0.000°/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.