When is the best time to observe Kraz in Becvar?

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

Where is Kraz in Becvar located in the sky?

Kraz in Becvar lies in the constellation Corvus at right ascension 12h 34m and declination -23° 24′.

What telescope do I need to see Kraz in Becvar?

At magnitude 2.6, Kraz in Becvar is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Kraz in Becvar — Star in Corvus

HIP 61359; Beta Corvi; 9 Corvi

Magnitude 2.6^m Star Corvus (Crv) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Kraz in Becvar

Description

Kraz is a yellow giant of spectral type G5II at magnitude 2.65 in the constellation Corvus. Located about 146 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity roughly 160 times solar and a surface temperature of about 5,100 K. It is the second brightest star in the small but distinctive trapezoidal constellation of the Crow.

Observing Tips

Beta Corvi is part of the distinctive quadrilateral of Corvus — four stars forming a slightly lopsided rectangle that sits just south of Virgo. Despite its Beta designation, Kraz is not the brightest star in Corvus (that honor goes to Gamma Crv). It appears as a warm yellowish star. Best observed from March through June when Corvus rides highest in the southern evening sky.

History

The name Kraz is of uncertain origin and only came into modern use in the 20th century — it may be derived from an obsolete Arabic star name. Corvus was one of the 48 original Ptolemaic constellations and represents the crow that Apollo sent to fetch water. The crow dallied and brought back a water snake (Hydra) as an excuse, and Apollo placed all three in the sky as a reminder.

Fun Facts

Corvus is one of the few small constellations that is easy to recognize — its four main stars form a distinctive sail-shaped trapezoid that stands out in an otherwise sparse region of sky. Beta Corvi marks the northeastern corner of this figure.