When is the best time to observe Ankaa?

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

Where is Ankaa located in the sky?

Ankaa lies in the constellation Phoenix at right ascension 00h 26m and declination -42° 18′.

What telescope do I need to see Ankaa?

At magnitude 2.4, Ankaa is visible to the naked eye under most conditions.

Ankaa — Star in Phoenix

HIP 2081; Alpha Phoenicis

Magnitude 2.4^m Star Phoenix (Phe) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Ankaa

Description

Ankaa is an orange giant of spectral type K0III at magnitude 2.39, the brightest star in Phoenix. Located about 77 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 83 times solar and a surface temperature of about 4,600 K. It is one of the brighter southern stars visible from tropical northern latitudes.

Observing Tips

Ankaa lies in the far southern sky, visible south of Cetus and Sculptor. It is the brightest star in the relatively faint constellation Phoenix. Its warm orange color helps identify it. Visible from latitudes south of about 32°N. Best observed October through December.

History

The name Ankaa comes from the Arabic 'al-'anqa,' meaning 'the phoenix.' Phoenix was created by Petrus Plancius from Dutch navigators' observations and first appeared on a celestial globe in 1598. It is one of the twelve constellations created to fill in the far southern sky.

Fun Facts

Ankaa is one of the few stars with a proper name derived from the Arabic word for the constellation's mythological figure rather than a description of the star's position. Phoenix is one of the few constellations named after a mythological creature that is common to many cultures worldwide.