Miaplacidus—a fascinating star nestled within the Vol constellation—is a relatively close magnitude blue-white dwarf located roughly 138.3 degrees in the RA and -69.7 degrees in the Dec. It is identified as HD 80007, and has a visual magnitude of 1.67. M
Observations within the sky reveal that Miaplacidus’s prominent position is due to its relatively low luminosity and close proximity to the Earth compared to many other stars of the same apparent magnitude. It doesn’t exhibit any significant seasonal variation in its observed brightness; instead, the star’s light output fluctuates subtly depending on its orbital dynamics across the sky.
The star's recognizable position stems primarily from its historical context, a fact that is often invoked through its association with Bet Car, a celestial grouping that has been long recognized for its distinctive morphology, and is a somewhat complex astronomical phenomenon. From a purely observational standpoint, its relatively low physical size and longevity likely contributes to its solitary and tranquil influence in the celestial sphere.
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How to see it
Miaplacidus has a visual magnitude of about 1.67: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Miaplacidus: right ascension 9h 13m 12s, declination −69° 43′ 2″ (J2000), in the region of the Volans constellation (IAU figure Vol).
Catalog context
Miaplacidus. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Bet Car, HIP 45238, HD 80007, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-45238. In the SkyKeepsake Volans (Vol) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-45238
- HIP
- 45238
- HD
- 80007
- gaia_dr3
- HYG-HIP-45238
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- Bet Car
Also known as
- Bet Car
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-45238
- HD 80007
- HIP 45238
- HYG-HIP-45238
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 1.67