When is the best time to observe Kaus Meridionalis?

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

Where is Kaus Meridionalis located in the sky?

Kaus Meridionalis lies in the constellation Sagittarius at right ascension 18h 21m and declination -29° 50′.

What telescope do I need to see Kaus Meridionalis?

At magnitude 2.7, Kaus Meridionalis is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Kaus Meridionalis — Star in Sagittarius

HIP 89931; Delta Sagittarii; 19 Sagittarii

Magnitude 2.7^m Star Sagittarius (Sgr) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Kaus Meridionalis

Description

Kaus Meridionalis is an orange giant of spectral type K3IIIa at magnitude 2.70 in Sagittarius. Located about 306 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 1,180 times solar. It marks the middle of the Archer's bow in the traditional constellation figure and forms part of the Teapot asterism.

Observing Tips

Kaus Meridionalis forms the right side of the Teapot's body in Sagittarius, between Kaus Australis below and Kaus Borealis above — the three 'Kaus' stars trace the bow. Its warm orange color helps distinguish it from the bluer neighboring stars. Best observed July through September.

History

The name Kaus Meridionalis means 'the middle (part of the) bow,' combining Arabic 'qaws' (bow) with Latin 'meridionalis' (middle). The three Kaus stars have been associated with the Archer's bow since ancient Babylonian times.

Fun Facts

The three Kaus stars — Australis, Meridionalis, and Borealis — form one of the few groups of bright stars named systematically with Latin directional suffixes appended to an Arabic root word, reflecting the blend of Arabic and European astronomical traditions.