When is the best time to observe Taiyangshou?

Taiyangshou is best observed from February through April, with peak visibility during March when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Taiyangshou located in the sky?

Taiyangshou lies in the constellation Ursa Major at right ascension 11h 46m and declination +47° 47′.

What telescope do I need to see Taiyangshou?

At magnitude 3.7, Taiyangshou is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Taiyangshou — Star in Ursa Major

HIP 57399; Chi Ursae Majoris; 63 Ursae Majoris

Magnitude 3.7^m Star Ursa Major (UMa) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Taiyangshou

Description

Taiyangshou, Chi Ursae Majoris, is a K-type giant of spectral class K0.5 IIIb about 184 light-years away. With a magnitude of 3.71, it sits at the eastern edge of Ursa Major, between the end of the Big Dipper handle and the head of Canes Venatici. The star is about 19 solar radii and 86 solar luminosities. Its traditional Chinese name means "Grand Palace Officer," reflecting an imperial court analogy.

Observing Tips

Taiyangshou lies a few degrees south-southwest of Alkaid (eta UMa), the end-of-handle star. In binoculars it is a conspicuous orange point, easy to separate from the surrounding paler-white A and F stars. Circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes; high overhead on spring evenings.

History

The IAU formally adopted "Taiyangshou" in 2017. The name is Mandarin in origin, used in classical Chinese astronomy for this part of the sky that was home to one of the constellations representing the imperial court. This is one of a small number of Chinese-origin IAU star names, contrasting with the mostly Arabic-origin names in the bright sky.

Fun Facts

Taiyangshou's Chinese astronomical tradition is largely unrelated to Western mythology — the "Grand Officer" star formed part of a broader asterism representing government ministers. Recognizing this name is a useful entry point into the Chinese sky classification, which subdivides the heavens into 28 lunar mansions plus central and peripheral figures.