Eltanin, a small, distant dwarf star within the Dra constellation, resides in the Galactic bulge. Identified as a magnitude 2.24, Eltanin falls within the spectral classification of a subgiant, exhibiting characteristics of low-mass stars nearing the end

Historically, Eltanin is noted for its notable placement in the Dra constellation, a prominent feature among the twelve constellations in the Milky Way system and a key landmark to observers in equatorial regions. Its location and proximity to the Draco nebula create a unique observing environment. This relatively small, yet comparatively bright star, is generally thought to be exceptionally far from Earth and therefore has few observable effects on nearby planets. It's estimated to be around 75% the mass of our Sun, and its lifespan is expected to be considerably shorter, potentially lasting only several tens of billions years. Its location in the galactic bulge, coupled with its faint luminosity, is conducive to the formation of stars during the initial stages of the Milky Way's history.

The most enduring notion revolves around the enduring mystique of Eltanin. Considering its diminutive size in a vast cosmos, the persistent fascination with this star emerges not as a symbol of love, but rather from a tangible observation. The magnitude of 2.24 has been the basis for countless observational measurements, continually refining a fundamental understanding of its fundamental properties. Its relatively low mass means it receives far fewer impacts from external forces, such as solar radiation, allowing for continuous and predictable observations across millions of years that can yield clues to understanding the evolution of stars in our galactic neighborhood.

How to see it

Eltanin has a visual magnitude of about 2.24: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Eltanin: right ascension 17h 56m 36s, declination +51° 29′ 20″ (J2000), in the region of the Draco constellation (IAU figure Dra).

Draco — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Eltanin. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 33Gam Dra, HIP 87833, HD 164058, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-87833. In the SkyKeepsake Draco (Dra) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-87833

HIP

87833

HD

164058

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-87833

Bayer / Flamsteed

33Gam Dra

Also known as

• 33Gam Dra
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-87833
• HD 164058
• HIP 87833
• HYG-HIP-87833

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

2.24