Wurren — Variable Star in Phoenix
HIP 5348; Zeta Phoenicis
About Wurren
Description
Wurren, Zeta Phoenicis, is a B-type main-sequence star of spectral class B7 V about 298 light-years away in the southern constellation Phoenix. It shines at combined magnitude 3.92. Wurren is an Algol-type eclipsing binary with a companion of similar mass in a 1.67-day orbit. The system shows shallow eclipses easily detectable with photometric monitoring.
Observing Tips
Wurren sits in the southern sky, best observed from the southern hemisphere. The eclipses are shallow — about 0.1 magnitudes — and detectable only with careful photometry, not by visual estimation. Best observed from southern latitudes September through February.
History
The name Wurren comes from Australian Aboriginal tradition (Wardaman language), meaning "the child" — one of the celestial family members in Aboriginal sky-lore. The IAU adopted the name in 2017.
Fun Facts
Wurren's eclipsing nature was discovered via photoelectric photometry in the mid-20th century. Both components are near-identical B-type stars, making the system a rare example of a detached near-twin-mass eclipsing binary.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to follow?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Hard+ | Hard | Hard |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
Loading survey image…
6Light Curve
7Comparison Stars for Wurren (3.9–4.4)
Nearby stable stars for estimating brightness (AAVSO)
Explore
9
Size Comparison
10
Compare Stars
11
Spectral Classification
12
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
13
Stellar Lifecycle
14
Blackbody Spectrum
15
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
16
Stellar Fusion
Discover
17Stellar Notes
18
Light Travel Time Machine
19
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.
