About Minelauva in Becvar
Description
Minelauva is a red giant of spectral type M3III at magnitude 3.38 in Virgo. Located about 198 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 468 times solar and a deep orange-red color. It lies in the northern part of Virgo, near the Virgo Cluster of galaxies.
Observing Tips
Minelauva lies in the upper body of Virgo, near the rich galaxy fields of the Virgo Cluster. Its deep orange-red color contrasts with the white stars typical of Virgo. It serves as a useful guide star for galaxy hunting in this region. Best observed April through July.
History
The name Minelauva (or Minelava) is of uncertain origin. Virgo is one of the zodiacal constellations and the second largest constellation overall. In mythology it represents various harvest goddesses including Demeter and Persephone.
Fun Facts
Minelauva's position near the heart of the Virgo Cluster makes it a practical jumping-off point for exploring this extraordinary concentration of galaxies — over 1,300 galaxies within a few degrees, dozens visible in amateur telescopes.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | 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
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
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
15
Exoplanets
1 known planet
View in 3D
| Planet | Radius | Mass | Period | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 112300 b | 12.20R⊕ | 15.83M♃ | 1.3yr | 202ly |
Habitable Zone
Size & Mass Comparison
About exoplanets — how we find them and which host stars you can observe
Discover
16Stellar Notes
17
Light Travel Time Machine
18
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.
Explore Nightbase
Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
