When is the best time to observe Aldhanab?

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

Where is Aldhanab located in the sky?

Aldhanab lies in the constellation Grus at right ascension 21h 54m and declination -37° 22′.

What telescope do I need to see Aldhanab?

At magnitude 3.0, Aldhanab is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Aldhanab — Star in Grus

HIP 108085; Gamma Gruis

Magnitude 3.0^m Star Grus (Gru) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Aldhanab

Description

Gamma Gruis is a blue-white giant of spectral type B8III at magnitude 3.01 in Grus (the Crane). Located about 203 light-years from Earth, it has a surface temperature of roughly 12,500 K. It is the third brightest star in Grus after Alnair and Beta Gru.

Observing Tips

Gamma Gru lies in the body of Grus, the Crane, between the brighter Alnair (Alpha) and the striking red Beta Gru. Its blue-white color provides a nice contrast with the very red Beta Gru nearby. Visible from the southern hemisphere and from northern latitudes south of about 33°N. Best observed from September through November.

History

Gamma Gruis has no traditional proper name. Grus was created by Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century from observations by Dutch navigators. Before Grus was recognized as a separate constellation, its stars were considered part of neighboring Piscis Austrinus.

Fun Facts

The color contrast between blue-white Gamma Gru and deep red Beta Gru makes them one of the more striking naked-eye color pairs in the southern sky, reminiscent of the famous Albireo double star in Cygnus.