Alpheratz, a relatively cool star named and coded as 21Alp And, sits somewhere in the constellation Andromeda. It’s located at right around RA 2.0969°, Dec 29.0904° which translates roughly to approximately 437 light-hours from earth. It is recognized as

Alpheratz's recognisable nature in the night sky primarily hinges on its physical resemblance to other stars within the Andromeda constellation, specifically Sirius. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation of Canis Major, known for its brilliant luminescence and prominence. Though differing in appearance, Alpheratz’s characteristics strongly draw parallels to Sirius, prompting observers to consider it a bright and easily noticeable neighbour within this galactic landmark.

The star's symbolic weight for those who dedicate it might lie in its location relative to this particular stellar arrangement. The Andromeda galaxy presents a fascinating system of stars and gas, a sprawling cosmic structure where stars like Alpheratz are thought to have formed. This location, often a focal point for astronomers and observers intrigued by galactic phenomena, serves as a humble yet significant marker within the grand, and sometimes elusive, tapestry of the universe.

How to see it

Alpheratz has a visual magnitude of about 2.07: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Alpheratz: right ascension 0h 8m 23s, declination +29° 5′ 26″ (J2000), in the region of the Andromeda constellation (IAU figure And).

Andromeda — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Alpheratz. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 21Alp And, HIP 677, HD 358, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-677. In the SkyKeepsake Andromeda (And) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-677

HIP

677

HD

358

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-677

Bayer / Flamsteed

21Alp And

Also known as

• 21Alp And
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-677
• HD 358
• HIP 677
• HYG-HIP-677

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

2.07