Sadalmelik — Star in Aquarius
HIP 109074; Alpha Aquarii; 34 Aquarii
About Sadalmelik
Description
Sadalmelik is a yellow supergiant of spectral type G2Ib at magnitude 2.96, the second brightest star in Aquarius. Located about 520 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 3,000 times solar. Its spectral type is nearly identical to the Sun's (G2) but it is far more luminous and evolved.
Observing Tips
Sadalmelik lies in the upper part of Aquarius, not far from the ecliptic. It forms a pair with the slightly brighter Sadalsuud. The Y-shaped Water Jar asterism is just to its south. Best observed September through December.
History
The name Sadalmelik comes from the Arabic 'sa'd al-malik,' meaning 'the luck of the king.' Like Sadalsuud, its rising was associated with seasonal good fortune in Arabic astral tradition.
Fun Facts
Sadalmelik has the same spectral type as the Sun (G2) but is a supergiant, illustrating how stars of identical surface temperature can differ enormously in size, luminosity, and evolutionary stage.
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
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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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