Tarazed — Star in Aquila
HIP 97278; Gamma Aquilae; 50 Aquilae
About Tarazed
Description
Tarazed is an orange giant of spectral type K3II at magnitude 2.72 in Aquila. Located about 395 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 2,500 times solar and a diameter about 95 times the Sun's. Tarazed flanks Altair to the north, forming part of the distinctive trio of stars at Aquila's center.
Observing Tips
Tarazed is the upper (northern) of the two stars flanking Altair — the other is Alshain (Beta Aql). The three form a conspicuous line, with Altair brilliantly white in the center. Tarazed's orange color provides a beautiful contrast with Altair. Best observed June through November.
History
The name Tarazed comes from Persian, meaning 'the beam of the scale.' The Altair-Tarazed-Alshain trio has been recognized since ancient times. Tarazed's orange color and position next to brilliant Altair make the color contrast one of the most accessible in the sky.
Fun Facts
Tarazed's proximity to Altair provides one of the easiest color comparisons visible to the naked eye — cool orange next to brilliant white, requiring no optical aid to appreciate.
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
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
Loading survey image…
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.
Explore Nightbase
Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
