Cen 27.7 – 27.8 – 2.75 – IoT Cen

Kulou is a relatively dim star situated in the Cen constellation, one of the 88 constellations recognizable in our sky. Its primary designation is IoT Cen, and at magnitude 2.75, it is a moderately faint and bright point of light within the celestial sphere. The star is believed to be a red dwarf star, with a visual magnitude, 2.75, placing it significantly lower than many of the more prominent stars within the Cen constellation. It has been identified via multiple catalogs and observations, though its precise characteristics remain somewhat variable within the collected data. The star's orbital period is observed to be roughly 77 days, translating to its position as relative to the Earth’s orbit. Its positioning is noted to be slightly offset from the center of the constellation.

Historically, Kulou has held a unique role in some celestial traditions, often perceived as a somewhat less bright and less influential star within the larger framework of the Cen constellation's apparent grouping. The sheer number of stars within this particular constellation combined with its position, offers an interesting position on the historical record. The selection of the star Kulou as a focal point, perhaps with a symbolic significance, isn’t easily defined; it remains a captivating point of observation, particularly within the relatively homogenous environment of the Cen constellation. It is a low-level star, and relatively easy to spot within the light-filled tapestry of the night sky without elaborate instrument aid.

Ultimately, this star provides a relatively quiet, steady presence within a space rich in drama and light across the firmament.

How to see it

Kulou has a visual magnitude of about 2.75: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Kulou: right ascension 13h 20m 36s, declination −36° 42′ 44″ (J2000), in the region of the Centaurus constellation (IAU figure Cen).

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Catalog context

Kulou. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Iot Cen, HIP 65109, HD 115892, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-65109. In the SkyKeepsake Centaurus (Cen) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-65109

HIP

65109

HD

115892

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-65109

Bayer / Flamsteed

Iot Cen

Also known as

• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-65109
• Gl 508.1
• HD 115892
• HIP 65109
• HYG-HIP-65109
• Iot Cen

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

2.75