Achernar: A vibrant, occasionally unremarkable, star residing in the constellation Hor. Its designation is CMa 46, and its apparent magnitude is a relatively mild 0.45. This star is located some 24.4283 degrees north and 57.2368 degrees east of the celest

Recognisable in the sky, Achernar’s distinctive character comes from its unusual arrangement. It’s notable as a variable star in the constellation Hor, known for its distinct and prominent pattern of prominent stars – much like a giant, beautifully intricate, but fleeting dance – and it’s frequently described by amateur astronomers. It's easy to identify amongst the general population of stars as a yellow-white star, displaying a yellowish hue.

The star's apparent brightness – approximately 0.45 – isn't particularly outstanding, yet it holds a certain symbolic weight as a fascinating celestial pattern. Individuals interested in historical observations might find its placement within the Hor constellation, and its appearance to other stargazers, a point of comparison and a starting point for further observation.

It’s not worth mentioning that anyone might seek it out as a point of connection for a new discovery, nor does this description attempt to engage with this element of personal significance, but rather focus on the fundamental qualities that allow it to occupy a space in the cosmos.

How to see it

Achernar has a visual magnitude of about 0.45: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Achernar: right ascension 1h 37m 43s, declination −57° 14′ 12″ (J2000), in the region of the Horologium constellation (IAU figure Hor).

Horologium — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Achernar. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Alp Eri, HIP 7588, HD 10144, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-7588. In the SkyKeepsake Horologium (Hor) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-7588

HIP

7588

HD

10144

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-7588

Bayer / Flamsteed

Alp Eri

Also known as

• Alp Eri
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-7588
• HD 10144
• HIP 7588
• HYG-HIP-7588

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

0.45