When is the best time to observe Nashira?

Nashira is best observed from July through September, with peak visibility during August when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Nashira located in the sky?

Nashira lies in the constellation Capricornus at right ascension 21h 40m and declination -16° 40′.

What telescope do I need to see Nashira?

At magnitude 3.7, Nashira is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Nashira — Star in Capricornus

HIP 106985; Gamma Capricorni; 40 Capricorni

Magnitude 3.7^m Star Capricornus (Cap) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Nashira

Description

Nashira, Gamma Capricorni, is an A-type giant with chemically peculiar metallic-line spectrum (A7mF3 III). It lies about 157 light-years away and shines at magnitude 3.68. Nashira is a spectroscopic binary and is classified as an Alpha-2 Canum Venaticorum variable — a rare subclass of Ap stars with magnetic-field-induced spectrum variations on rotation timescales.

Observing Tips

Nashira marks the east side of Capricornus, east of Deneb Algedi (Delta Cap). It is an easy naked-eye star. Binoculars show its crisp white-yellow color. The spectroscopic companion is unresolvable visually; the magnetic-peculiar variability is far too subtle for amateur detection. Best observed August through November.

History

The name Nashira comes from the Arabic "al-nashīra," meaning "the bearer of good news" — a fortunate star in pre-Islamic weather astrology. The IAU adopted the name in 2016.

Fun Facts

Nashira's metallic-line peculiarity places it among a small family of chemically-stratified A-type stars. In these stars, gravity and radiation pressure sort different elements into distinct layers of the stellar atmosphere — producing the strong unusual absorption lines visible in high-resolution spectra.