Rho Sagittarii — Star in Sagittarius
HIP 95168; Rho1 Sagittarii; 44 Sagittarii
About Rho Sgr
Description
Rho Sagittarii is an A-type subgiant of spectral class A9 IV about 127 light-years away, in the eastern part of the Sagittarius constellation. It shines at magnitude 3.93. The star is a rapid rotator with broad spectral lines and a mass of about 2.1 Suns. Rho Sgr has a visual companion 43 arcseconds to the east — an unrelated optical double.
Observing Tips
Rho Sgr is an easy naked-eye star in the eastern part of Sagittarius. The 43-arcsecond optical companion is a binocular object. Best observed June through October.
History
Rho Sgr has no widely-used traditional name in current IAU catalogs.
Fun Facts
Rho Sgr's position near the ecliptic means it is regularly approached by the slow-moving outer planets — it was close to Jupiter during the famous 2007 apparition. Its A-type spectrum makes it a useful reference for telluric-line removal in spectroscopic surveys.
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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