Aur 37The Aur
Mahasim is a relatively small, bright, and remarkably stable main-sequence star located within the Aur constellation. The star presents as a diffuse, slightly orange glow in the visible part of the night sky, and currently is designated as magnitude 2.65. It orbits the galactic plane at a considerable distance from Earth, and is located about 37 light-years away from our solar system. Observations suggest it is an orange dwarf, typically exhibiting thermal emission, rather than the classical spectral readings expected for a typical star. Its apparent brightness is reasonably consistent, although variations across campaigns would be expected. The star is not classified as a variable star; its light levels are not significantly affected by changes in its luminosity.
The unique visibility of Mahasim stems primarily from its favorable location along the galactic plane, a location that results in prolonged exposure to the relatively unobstructed light of the night sky. Sirius is, by comparison, a relatively nearby and brilliant star, lending it a high level of prominence within the Aur constellation. However, Mahasim’s luminosity and relatively low angular velocity (its spin-speed) are distinct characteristics, aiding in its observation. The choice of Mahasim as a symbolic designation suggests it likely represents something fundamental, stable, and consistent within the cosmic patterns of the Aur constellation.
In astronomical study, the potential to maintain a consistent, observable magnitude – particularly given its relatively faint nature - makes Mahasim a node of interest for astronomical researchers.
How to see it
Mahasim has a visual magnitude of about 2.65: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Mahasim: right ascension 5h 59m 43s, declination +37° 12′ 45″ (J2000), in the region of the Auriga constellation (IAU figure Aur).
Catalog context
Mahasim. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 37The Aur, HIP 28380, HD 40312, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-28380. In the SkyKeepsake Auriga (Aur) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-28380
- HIP
- 28380
- HD
- 40312
- gaia_dr3
- HYG-HIP-28380
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 37The Aur
Also known as
- 37The Aur
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-28380
- HD 40312
- HIP 28380
- HYG-HIP-28380
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 2.65