About Peacock
Description
Peacock is a blue-white star of spectral type B2IV at magnitude 1.94, the brightest star in Pavo (the Peacock). Located about 179 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 2,200 times solar and a surface temperature of about 17,700 K. It is a spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of about 11.75 days.
Observing Tips
Peacock is the brightest star in the southern constellation Pavo, visible from latitudes south of about 33°N. It lies in a relatively sparse area of sky south of Sagittarius. Its blue-white color is apparent to the naked eye. Best observed July through October from southern latitudes.
History
The name Peacock was assigned by Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office in the 1930s for navigational purposes — the star had no traditional name. Pavo was created by Petrus Plancius from Dutch navigators' observations in the late 16th century and represents the exotic peacock seen during voyages to the East Indies.
Fun Facts
Peacock is one of the brightest B-type stars visible from Earth and is the only star in Pavo bright enough to be used in celestial navigation. Like Avior in Carina, its name was specifically created for 20th-century navigators.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 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
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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Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
