N Vel
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- HIP 46701
- Type
- Star
- Constellation
- Vel
- Magnitude
- 3.13
- Right Ascension
- 09h 31m 13.3s
- Declination
- -57° 02' 04.0"
- Distance
- 239 light-years
- HR
- 3803
- HIP
- 46701
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About N Vel
Description
BS 3803 (also known as HR 3803 or p Velorum) is an orange giant of spectral type K5III at magnitude 3.13 in Vela. Located about 148 light-years from Earth, it has a cool surface temperature of approximately 3,800 K and a distinctly orange-red color. It is one of the brighter stars in the northern part of Vela.
Observing Tips
BS 3803 lies in the northern part of Vela, in a rich area of the southern Milky Way between the False Cross and the brighter stars of Puppis. Its orange color stands out among the many blue-white stars in this region. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes. Best observed from February through May.
History
BS 3803 lacks a traditional proper name and is identified by its Bright Star (BS/HR) catalog number. Vela, representing the sails of the mythological ship Argo, was carved out of the ancient constellation Argo Navis by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1763. Many stars in Vela retain unusual designations from the original Argo Navis letter scheme.
Fun Facts
The K5III spectral type of BS 3803 indicates it is a relatively cool giant star in the later stages of stellar evolution. Its orange-red color provides a striking visual contrast against the predominantly blue and white stars of the Milky Way in Vela, making it a notable color marker for anyone sweeping through this region with binoculars.