Gru – Alnair
The star Alnair, a small, steady point of light, is designated as a constellation within the Gru constellation, a minor constellation within the larger constellation of the Sky. It exists as a relatively faint, magnitude 1.73 star situated approximately 36,000 light-years from Earth.
Alnair is recognized within the celestial sphere thanks to its solitary position and relatively small visual size. It primarily displays a stable yellow-white glow, indicating an age and composition distinct from more dynamic stellar bodies. Its coordinates, RA 332.0581°, Dec -46.9610°, and Visual magnitude of 1.73 precisely pinpoints its location in the night sky. It is also identified by the HIP 109268, HIP 109268 and HD 209952. The Alias Alp Gru reinforces its unique positioning within the Sky.
The star’s characteristics are seemingly independent and not particularly noteworthy, highlighting its modest luminosity and stable nature. While astronomical observations and meticulous measurement of distance offer a reliable description of the object, its unassuming existence emphasizes its humble placement amongst the vastness of the cosmos and the quiet rhythm of stellar evolution.
How to see it
Alnair has a visual magnitude of about 1.73: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Alnair: right ascension 22h 8m 14s, declination −46° 57′ 40″ (J2000), in the region of the Grus constellation (IAU figure Gru).
Catalog context
Alnair. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Alp Gru, HIP 109268, HD 209952, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-109268. In the SkyKeepsake Grus (Gru) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-109268
- HIP
- 109268
- HD
- 209952
- gaia_dr3
- HYG-HIP-109268
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- Alp Gru
Also known as
- Alp Gru
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-109268
- Gl 848.2
- HD 209952
- HIP 109268
- HYG-HIP-109268
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 1.73