Lib 8Bet1Sco
Atrab is a relatively young star residing in the constellation Libra, specifically located at RA 241.3593° and Dec -19.8055°. Its visual magnitude is currently recorded as 2.56, indicating it’s situated in the brightness range suitable for relatively easy observation, though significant variation exists across its lifespan. It’s currently identified by the Gaia data HYG-HIP-78820. A significant focus of the catalog database includes an alias of 8Bet1Sco, a designation suggesting potential influence in some astronomical studies involving the star.
Atrab’s recognizable status in the celestial sphere stems from its prominent position within Libra. Notably, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, offers a relatively straightforward comparison. Atrab possesses characteristics that, while distinctly unique, align with the characteristics of a red dwarf star. It's important to note, however, that as a relatively young star, extensive details on its composition – such as the presence of helium or lithium – remain relatively sparse in the existing observational data. Its apparent size, though generally small, presents a fascinating question for observation, offering a unique insight into the early stage of stellar evolution.
The constellation Libra, while a well-understood pattern, isn’t particularly noteworthy for a star’s characteristics; such a star’s existence has no specific context in relation to any known planetary orbits. The star’s positioning within the Libra system adds a spectral signature—which isn't readily available in existing star charts - that warrants further investigation. Given its relatively modest visual magnitude and location within the constellation, Acrab’s significance arguably resides more in its historical context as a potential point of reference within astronomical studies compared to direct stellar impact— a simple observation of a star's existence.
How to see it
Acrab has a visual magnitude of about 2.56: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Acrab: right ascension 16h 5m 26s, declination −19° 48′ 20″ (J2000), in the region of the Libra constellation (IAU figure Lib).
Catalog context
Acrab. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 8Bet1Sco, HIP 78820, HD 144217, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-78820. In the SkyKeepsake Libra (Lib) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-78820
- HIP
- 78820
- HD
- 144217
- gaia_dr3
- HYG-HIP-78820
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 8Bet1Sco
Also known as
- 8Bet1Sco
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-78820
- HD 144217
- HIP 78820
- HYG-HIP-78820
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 2.56