When is the best time to observe Chort?

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

Where is Chort located in the sky?

Chort lies in the constellation León at right ascension 11h 14m and declination +15° 26′.

What telescope do I need to see Chort?

At magnitude 3.3, Chort is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Chort — Estrella en León

HIP 54879; Theta Leonis; 70 Leonis

Magnitud 3.3^m Star León (Leo) Visible

Mapa Estelar + Lista + Plan

Acerca de Chort

Descripción

Chertan (also called Chort) is a white estrella de secuencia principal of tipo espectral A2V at magnitude 3.34 en Leo. Located a unos 165 años luz de la Tierra, it has a temperatura superficial of about 9,350 K and a luminosity roughly 85 veces la solar. It lies in the hindquarter of the Lion, forming part of the triangle that defines Leo's body.

Consejos de Observación

Theta Leo lies in the rump of Leo, forming a triangle with Delta Leo (Zosma) and Beta Leo (Denebola). It is a white star easily found once the Sickle of Leo and the body triangle are identified. Mejor observación from February through June when Leo is prominent in the cielo nocturno.

Historia

The name Chertan (or Chort) comes from the Arabic 'al-kharatan,' meaning 'the two small ribs,' referring to Theta and Delta Leonis together. Leo is one of the oldest recognized constellations, associated with the Nemean Lion slain by Hercules. The star has been part of the Lion figure since Babylonian and Egyptian times.

Datos Curiosos

Theta Leo was used by the ancient Egyptians as a calendar star — its heliacal rising helped mark important agricultural dates. The star's white color and position make it a useful stepping-stone between the Sickle asterism and the tail star Denebola.