When is the best time to observe Alsuhail?

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

Where is Alsuhail located in the sky?

Alsuhail lies in the constellation Vela at right ascension 09h 08m and declination -43° 26′.

What telescope do I need to see Alsuhail?

At magnitude 2.2, Alsuhail is visible to the naked eye under most conditions.

Alsuhail — Star in Vela

HIP 44816; Lambda Velorum

Magnitude 2.2^m Star Vela (Vel) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Alsuhail

Description

Alsuhail is an orange supergiant of spectral type K4.5Ib-II at magnitude 2.21 in Vela. Located about 545 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 11,000 times solar and a distinctly warm orange color. It is one of the more luminous cool supergiants visible to the naked eye.

Observing Tips

Alsuhail lies in the northern part of Vela, in the rich southern Milky Way. Its deep orange color makes it stand out among the predominantly blue-white stars of the region. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes. Best observed February through May.

History

The name Alsuhail derives from Arabic, though the exact meaning is debated. Vela was originally part of the vast Argo Navis constellation. Lambda Vel is one of the more luminous members of the old Argo group and would have been among the brighter stars in the original constellation.

Fun Facts

Alsuhail is a genuinely luminous supergiant — if placed at the distance of Sirius, it would outshine Venus. As a K-type supergiant, it is in a brief evolutionary phase and will likely end its life dramatically, either as a supernova or by shedding its outer layers.