SkyKeepsake page about the star Sargas

1) Who it is: Sargas is a small, bright star located in the southern constellation Tel, positioned approximately 264.33 degrees relative to northern equinox. It’s a minor magnitude star, generally considered a Visual Magnitude of 1.86. The star's existence is recorded in the catalogue as Gaia HYG-HIP-86228, HIP 86228, and HD 159532. It is presently designated as ‘The Sco’ for a more concise naming convention.

2) Why it is recognisable in the sky: Sargas primarily appears in the southern part of the night sky, relatively close to the galactic plane. This proximity, combined with its apparent brightness, lends it a noticeable presence amongst other stars of the Tel constellation. Its relative small size suggests it is relatively far from the center of the constellation. The star's location within the region does not offer any particular astronomical significance.

3) One sober note on why someone might choose it as a symbolic dedication: While a particular dedication rarely exists without conscious intention, selecting a star like Sargas can carry a subtle symbolic resonance of observation, quiet guidance, and the steadfastness of light. It represents a single point of brilliance, offering an observational focus amidst the darkness, and a tangible beacon.

How to see it

Sargas has a visual magnitude of about 1.86: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Sargas: right ascension 17h 37m 19s, declination −42° 59′ 52″ (J2000), in the region of the Telescopium constellation (IAU figure Tel).

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Catalog context

Sargas. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation The Sco, HIP 86228, HD 159532, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-86228. In the SkyKeepsake Telescopium (Tel) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-86228

HIP

86228

HD

159532

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-86228

Bayer / Flamsteed

The Sco

Also known as

• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-86228
• HD 159532
• HIP 86228
• HYG-HIP-86228
• The Sco

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

1.86