When is the best time to observe Sadalbari?

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

Where is Sadalbari located in the sky?

Sadalbari lies in the constellation Pegasus at right ascension 22h 50m and declination +24° 36′.

What telescope do I need to see Sadalbari?

At magnitude 3.5, Sadalbari is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Sadalbari — Star in Pegasus

HIP 112748; Mu Pegasi; 48 Pegasi

Magnitude 3.5^m Star Pegasus (Peg) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Sadalbari

Description

Sadalbari, Mu Pegasi, is a K-type giant of spectral class K1 III about 106 light-years away. It shines at magnitude 3.48 and is a mature red-clump star in the core helium-fusing phase. Sadalbari has a mass of about 1.7 Suns and a radius of 13 Suns.

Observing Tips

Sadalbari lies in the central area of Pegasus, slightly east of Matar and south of Scheat. In binoculars it is an unmistakable warm yellow-orange point. Best observed August through December.

History

The name comes from the Arabic "al-sa'd al-bārī'," meaning "the luck of the excelling one" — a pre-Islamic astronomical label marking a "lucky" weather star. Several Arabic names of Pegasus and Aquarius begin with "Sadal-" (luck of the ...), reflecting this cultural theme.

Fun Facts

Sadalbari is part of a long line of pre-Islamic "luck" stars, including Sadalsuud (Beta Aquarii), Sadalmelik (Alpha Aquarii), and Sadachbia (Gamma Aquarii) — all stars whose heliacal rising marked specific seasonal-weather phenomena in ancient Arabian folklore.