When is the best time to observe Scheat?

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

Where is Scheat located in the sky?

Scheat lies in the constellation Pegasus at right ascension 23h 04m and declination +28° 05′.

What telescope do I need to follow Scheat?

To follow Scheat through its full brightness cycle (magnitude 2.3 to 2.7) you need the naked eye under a dark sky — the star fades out of smaller apertures near minimum light.

Scheat — Variable Star in Pegasus

HIP 113881; Beta Pegasi; 53 Pegasi

Observable Variable Star Excellent (69/100)

Range: 2.3 - 2.7, Period: 43.0d, Type: SR

Magnitude 2.3–2.7^m VariableStar Pegasus (Peg) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Scheat

Description

Scheat is a red giant of spectral type M2.5II-III at magnitude 2.42 (variable between 2.31 and 2.74) in Pegasus. Located about 196 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 1,500 times solar and a diameter about 95 times the Sun's. Its deep red-orange color provides a vivid contrast with the other Great Square stars.

Observing Tips

Scheat is the upper-right (northwest) corner of the Great Square of Pegasus. Its reddish color contrasts beautifully with the blue-white of neighboring Markab and Alpheratz. Watch for its brightness variations — it changes noticeably over months. Best observed September through January.

History

The name Scheat comes from the Arabic 'sa'd,' possibly meaning 'the shin.' Its variability class is debated — it appears to be a semi-regular variable, possibly pulsating. The variability is easily noticed by comparing it with the nearby stars of the Great Square, which are all nearly constant.

Fun Facts

Scheat is the only reddish star among the four corners of the Great Square of Pegasus, making the color contrast immediately visible to the naked eye. Its semi-regular variations make it one of the brightest variable stars easily monitored without instruments.