When is the best time to observe Kaus Borealis?

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

Where is Kaus Borealis located in the sky?

Kaus Borealis lies in the constellation Sagittarius at right ascension 18h 28m and declination -25° 25′.

What telescope do I need to see Kaus Borealis?

At magnitude 2.8, Kaus Borealis is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Kaus Borealis — Star in Sagittarius

HIP 90496; Lambda Sagittarii; 22 Sagittarii

Magnitude 2.8^m Star Sagittarius (Sgr) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Kaus Borealis

Description

Kaus Borealis is an orange giant of spectral type K1IIIb at magnitude 2.81 in Sagittarius. Located about 78 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 52 times solar. It marks the top of the Archer's bow and the lid of the Teapot asterism.

Observing Tips

Kaus Borealis sits at the top of the Teapot lid in Sagittarius, the northernmost of the three Kaus (bow) stars. It is a warm orange star that serves as a useful guide to the dense Milky Way star clouds of Sagittarius. Best observed July through September.

History

The name Kaus Borealis means 'the northern (part of the) bow,' combining Arabic 'qaws' (bow) with Latin 'borealis' (northern). It completes the trio with Kaus Australis and Kaus Meridionalis, tracing the Archer's bow.

Fun Facts

Kaus Borealis is the nearest of the three Kaus stars at only 78 light-years, while Kaus Meridionalis is about 306 light-years and Kaus Australis about 143 light-years away. Their apparent alignment as the bow is largely a perspective effect.