Naos is an exciting red giant star within the Pyx constellation. Classified as a variable star of magnitude 2.254, Naos has undergone dramatic changes in brightness throughout its history. It is located in the Galactic coordinates of RA 120.8959°, Dec -40

Naos is easily recognised in the sky due to its position within the Pyx constellation. It is typically viewed as a bright, pulsating star. This particular star exhibits a fairly consistent brightness level and luminosity, suggesting its relatively stable evolution over time. Its relationship with its neighbors within the Pyx constellation establishes it as a fundamental object on the star chart.

Historically, Naos has held an immense significance in the ancient astronomical tradition of the Western tradition. It’s frequently depicted in medieval and Renaissance art as a bright, golden companion, often associated with the sun. It remains a compelling subject for astronomers and observers worldwide, providing an opportunity to study variable stars and stellar evolution.

There’s a compelling reason for a celestial object like Naos being chosen as a symbolic dedication, suggesting deep significance to a person or belief system, however, it can't be defined. It's a focal point in the overall expanse of the celestial realm – a radiant point of warmth in the darkness.

How to see it

Naos has a visual magnitude of about 2.25: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Naos: right ascension 8h 3m 35s, declination −40° 0′ 11″ (J2000), in the region of the Pyxis constellation (IAU figure Pyx).

Pyxis — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Naos. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Zet Pup, HIP 39429, HD 66811, Gaia DR3 5534788672055388032. In the SkyKeepsake Pyxis (Pyx) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 5534788672055388032

HIP

39429

HD

66811

gaia_dr3

5534788672055388032

Bayer / Flamsteed

Zet Pup

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

2.25