Alsephina is a relatively faint and distant star located within the constellation Car. Belonging to the Car constellation, it is notable for its magnitude of 1.93, making it easily observed with binoculars. It's currently classified as a visual magnitude

Alsephina’s prominence stems from its relatively low position in the southern hemisphere. Unlike many bright stars, it doesn’t command the spotlight of much brighter stars. Its distance is considerable, with its coordinates showing it residing approximately 131.1759°, Dec -54.7088°, which places it within a vast, largely uncharted region of the night. The data referencing its luminosity and spectral class, including the Gaia HYG-HIP-42913, HIP 42913, and HD 74956, suggest a low luminosity.

The inclusion of Alsephina in the Car constellation has earned it a special significance in tradition, often linked to interpretations of celestial symbolism across cultures. It’s frequently described, particularly within the wider context of astronomical lore and early observations, as Del Vel, a star representing a guiding beacon amidst the darkness. Ultimately, Alsephina offers a point of gentle contemplation – a persistent, steady light moving in the immense expanse of the universe.

How to see it

Alsephina has a visual magnitude of about 1.93: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Alsephina: right ascension 8h 44m 42s, declination −54° 42′ 32″ (J2000), in the region of the Carina constellation (IAU figure Car).

Carina — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Alsephina. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Del Vel, HIP 42913, HD 74956, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-42913. In the SkyKeepsake Carina (Car) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-42913

HIP

42913

HD

74956

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-42913

Bayer / Flamsteed

Del Vel

Also known as

• Del Vel
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-42913
• Gl 321.3A
• HD 74956
• HIP 42913
• HYG-HIP-42913

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

1.93