When is the best time to observe Alzirr?

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

Where is Alzirr located in the sky?

Alzirr lies in the constellation Gemini at right ascension 06h 45m and declination +12° 54′.

What telescope do I need to see Alzirr?

At magnitude 3.4, Alzirr is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Alzirr — Star in Gemini

HIP 32362; Xi Geminorum; 31 Geminorum

Magnitude 3.4^m Star Gemini (Gem) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Alzirr

Description

Alzirr (Xi Geminorum) is a yellow-white subgiant of spectral type F5IV at magnitude 3.36 in Gemini. Located about 59 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 11 times solar and a surface temperature of about 6,500 K. It is a fairly ordinary star somewhat more evolved than the Sun.

Observing Tips

Alzirr lies in the southern foot of the western Twin (Castor's side) in Gemini. It is a warm white star in a region rich with interesting objects — the open cluster M35 lies just a few degrees to the northwest. Best observed from December through April when Gemini is prominent in the winter and spring evening sky.

History

The name Alzirr is derived from Arabic, though its exact meaning is debated — it may relate to 'the button' or a similar term. Gemini is one of the zodiacal constellations and has been recognized since Babylonian times. The Twins (Castor and Pollux) feature prominently in Greek and Roman mythology.

Fun Facts

At 59 light-years, Alzirr is one of the closer F-type stars to the Sun. It has been included in multiple searches for exoplanets and stellar companions, but no planets have been confirmed to date. Its spectral type suggests it is beginning to evolve off the main sequence.