When is the best time to observe Epsilon Sagittarii?

Epsilon Sagittarii is best observed from May through July, with peak visibility during June when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Epsilon Sagittarii located in the sky?

Epsilon Sagittarii lies in the constellation Sagittarius at right ascension 18h 24m and declination -34° 23′.

What telescope do I need to see Epsilon Sagittarii?

At magnitude 1.9, Epsilon Sagittarii is visible to the naked eye under most conditions.

Epsilon Sagittarii — Star in Sagittarius

KAUS AUSTRALIS

Magnitude 1.9^m Star Sagittarius (Sgr) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Epsilon Sgr

Description

Kaus Australis is the brightest star in Sagittarius at magnitude 1.85, a blue-white giant of spectral type B9.5III located about 143 light-years from Earth. It marks the southern end of the Archer's bow (or the bottom of the Teapot). Its luminosity is about 375 times solar with a surface temperature of roughly 9,200 K.

Observing Tips

Kaus Australis is the brightest star in the Teapot asterism of Sagittarius, at its southern base. The Teapot is easy to spot during summer evenings, and Kaus Australis anchors it. The rich Milky Way star clouds pour like steam from the Teapot's spout just above. Best observed July through September.

History

The name Kaus Australis means 'the southern (part of the) bow' from a combination of Arabic 'qaws' (bow) and Latin 'australis' (southern). The three Kaus stars (Australis, Meridionalis, Borealis) trace the Archer's bow. Sagittarius has been associated with an archer since Babylonian times.

Fun Facts

Kaus Australis is the brightest star in a zodiacal constellation that contains the galactic center. When you look just above this star, you are looking toward the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, hidden behind thousands of light-years of gas and dust.