About Aldhibah
Description
Aldhibah, Zeta Draconis, is a blue-white B-type subgiant of spectral class B6 IV about 328 light-years away. It shines at magnitude 3.17 and is one of the brighter stars of the Dragon's body. Aldhibah has a mass of about 3.5 Suns. No close companions have been detected, and its spectrum is that of a typical young B-type star with broad rotation-broadened lines.
Observing Tips
Aldhibah sits along the long twisting body of Draco, between the tail near Thuban and the head near Etamin. It is an easy naked-eye object. Circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes — visible every clear night.
History
The name Aldhibah comes from the Arabic "al-dhi'bāh," meaning "the hyenas" or "wolves" — referring to a pre-Islamic asterism of hyenas watching over a celestial goat. The IAU adopted the name in 2017.
Fun Facts
Draco's long winding body makes it one of the largest constellations in area but visually one of the most diffuse — Aldhibah serves as a useful bright waypoint for tracing the dragon's sinuous path across the northern sky.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Medium+ |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
Explore
6
Size Comparison
7
Compare Stars
8
Spectral Classification
9
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
10
Stellar Lifecycle
11
Blackbody Spectrum
12
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
13
Stellar Fusion
Discover
14Stellar Notes
15
Light Travel Time Machine
16
Relativistic Travel
Survey Image
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Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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