When is the best time to observe Zeta Pyxidis?

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

Where is Zeta Pyxidis located in the sky?

Zeta Pyxidis lies in the constellation Pyxis at right ascension 08h 40m and declination -29° 34′.

What telescope do I need to split Zeta Pyxidis?

Splitting Zeta Pyxidis requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 52.4″ at magnitudes near 4.9. The companion is about 4.7 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Zeta Pyxidis — Double Star in Pyxis

Magnitude 4.9^m DoubleStar Pyxis (Pyx) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.89

Spectral Type G4III giant

Star Color Orange (B-V 0.90)

Distance 155 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 08h 39m 42.5s

Dec -29° 33' 40.0"

Constellation Pyxis (Pyx)

HR 3433

HIP 42483

HD 73898

SAO 176253

Bayer Zeta

Double Cat 6923

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.9 mag Companion 9.6 mag Separation 52.4″

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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 Dec – Feb (peak: Jan)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 52.4″

Companion Mag 9.6

Position Angle 61°

Star Colors A: Orange

Discoverer HJ 4120

Separation over time

Measured 1905 → 2016 (111 y)

Separation drift 52.4" → 52.4" (+0.00")

Rate +0.0000" / y

PA drift 61° → 61° (+0°, +0.000°/y)

Essentially fixed on human timescales — the same view your grandchildren will see.

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.