When is the best time to observe Sadalsuud?

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

Where is Sadalsuud located in the sky?

Sadalsuud lies in the constellation Aquarius at right ascension 21h 32m and declination -05° 34′.

What telescope do I need to see Sadalsuud?

At magnitude 2.9, Sadalsuud is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Sadalsuud — Star in Aquarius

HIP 106278; Beta Aquarii; 22 Aquarii

Magnitude 2.9^m Star Aquarius (Aqr) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Sadalsuud

Description

Sadalsuud is a yellow supergiant of spectral type G0Ib at magnitude 2.91, the brightest star in Aquarius. Located about 540 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 2,200 times solar. Despite its relatively modest naked-eye brightness, it is intrinsically a very luminous star.

Observing Tips

Sadalsuud lies in the western part of Aquarius, roughly between the Great Square of Pegasus and Fomalhaut. It is a warm yellow star that anchors the otherwise faint Water Bearer. Best observed September through December.

History

The name Sadalsuud comes from the Arabic 'sa'd al-su'ud,' meaning 'the luck of lucks' or 'the luckiest of the lucky.' In Arabic astral lore, the heliacal rising of this star was associated with the coming of spring and good fortune.

Fun Facts

Sadalsuud is one of several 'lucky' stars in the Aquarius-Capricornus region — Sadalmelik ('the luck of the king') and Sadalsuud ('the luckiest') both carry optimistic Arabic names linked to seasonal weather improvements.

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 2.91

Spectral Type G0Ib supergiant

Star Color Orange (B-V 0.83)

Distance 544 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 21h 31m 33.5s

Dec -05° 34' 16.0"

Constellation Aquarius (Aqr)

HR 8232

HIP 106278

HD 204867

SAO 145457

Bayer Beta

Flamsteed 22 Aqr

Double Cat 15050

SIMBAD Wikipedia

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

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Jul – Sep (peak: Aug)

5Survey Image

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Spectral Classification

Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

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Stellar Lifecycle

Blackbody Spectrum

Stellar Absorption Spectrum

Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.

Stellar Fusion

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15Stellar Notes

Double Star

Both companions optical.

Group/Cluster

With Alpha Aqr (HR 8414) and Epsilon Peg (HR 8308) forms an OB triple system. Motion of HR 8232 and 8414 | (separated by 12d) is nearly perpendicular to the galactic plane.

Alternative Names

Sadalsuud; Sadalsud; Sad es Saud; Sadalsund; Saad el Sund.