Upsilon Centauri — Star in Centaurus
HIP 68282; Upsilon1 Centauri
About Upsilon Cen
Description
Upsilon Centauri is a blue B-type subgiant of spectral class B2 IV/V about 427 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. It shines at magnitude 3.87 and is a member of the Upper Centaurus-Lupus stellar association. Upsilon Cen is a Beta Cephei-type pulsating variable with low amplitude and a period near 4 hours.
Observing Tips
Upsilon Cen lies in the northern part of Centaurus, near the boundary with Lupus. From southern latitudes it is well-placed. Best observed from the southern hemisphere March through August.
History
Upsilon Cen retains its Bayer designation in current IAU catalogs.
Fun Facts
Upsilon Cen's Beta Cephei pulsations were only confirmed with space-based precision photometry. The Upper Centaurus-Lupus association to which it belongs is one of the most intensively-studied young stellar populations in the southern sky.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| 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
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Spectral Classification
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Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
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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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