When is the best time to observe Azha?

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

Where is Azha located in the sky?

Azha lies in the constellation Eridanus at right ascension 02h 56m and declination -08° 54′.

What telescope do I need to see Azha?

At magnitude 3.9, Azha is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Azha — Star in Eridanus

HIP 13701; Eta Eridani; 3 Eridani

Magnitude 3.9^m Star Eridanus (Eri) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Azha

Description

Azha, Eta Eridani, is a K-type giant of spectral class K0 III about 137 light-years away in the northern part of Eridanus. It shines at magnitude 3.89 and is a red-clump giant actively fusing helium in its core. Its mass is about 1.5 Suns and radius about 11 Suns.

Observing Tips

Azha sits just east of the Hyades in the celestial sky, in the northwestern part of Eridanus. In binoculars it appears as a warm yellow-orange point. Best observed October through February.

History

The name Azha comes from the Arabic "al-ḍā'iḥ," meaning "the breeding ground" or "hatching place" — possibly referencing a pre-Islamic astronomical nesting-site theme. The IAU adopted the name in 2016.

Fun Facts

The name Azha is one of several obscure Arabic-origin star names whose precise etymological origin has been lost — medieval Arabic astronomy had rich regional variations, and many traditional star names survive without complete documentation of their original meanings.