Achernar
Star in Eridanus · 139.4 light-years
🔭 Explore Achernar in the 3D map →View Achernar images →| Type | Star |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Eridanus |
| Right ascension | 1h 37m 43s |
| Declination | −57° 14′ |
| Object distance | 139.4 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 0.45 |
| Also known as | Spectral type B3Vp |
The blazing blue star at the end of the river Eridanus, spinning so fast it is one of the least spherical stars known.
Observing Achernar
Achernar lies in the constellation Eridanus and is best placed in the evening sky around October. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. It is best placed for observers in the southern hemisphere, and sits low for those far north. At its brightness it can be found with the unaided eye under a dark sky and is easy in binoculars.
See Achernar in Universe Finder
Open the interactive 3D map to fly to Achernar and see it in context among the real stars around it. Launch the 3D view →
Sources
- Position and distance from the HYG stellar database (Hipparcos · Yale Bright Star · Gliese).
- Object identity cross-referenced with SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg).
- Image credits and the original observation source are linked with each photograph.
Related objects
- The Sun — star
- Proxima Centauri — star
- Barnard's Star — star
- TRAPPIST-1 — star
- Sirius — star