Kitalpha — Star in Equuleus
HIP 104987; Alpha Equulei; 8 Equulei
About Kitalpha
Description
Kitalpha, Alpha Equulei, is the brightest star in the tiny constellation Equuleus ("Little Horse"). It is a G-type giant paired with a B-type dwarf in a close, 98.8-day spectroscopic binary about 190 light-years away. Combined magnitude is 3.92. Equuleus is the second-smallest modern constellation by area, and Kitalpha is its only readily identifiable naked-eye star.
Observing Tips
Kitalpha sits between Delphinus and the head of Pegasus, forming a compact triangular pattern with three fainter companions. In small telescopes it appears as a single yellow-orange point — the close B-type companion is too close to split visually. Best observed August through November.
History
The name Kitalpha comes from the Arabic "qiṭ'at al-faras," meaning "part of the horse" — a reference to the fragmentary, small horse-figure represented by the constellation. The IAU adopted the name in 2016.
Fun Facts
Equuleus is so small and indistinct that many stargazers overlook it entirely; Kitalpha is the only name-bearing star within its boundaries, making it a sort of "lonely flag" for the forgotten little horse.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
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5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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