SkyKeepsake page about the star Wazn

Who it is: Wazn is a notable binary star system located within the Col constellation. It’s a relatively low-magnitude star, belonging to magnitude 2.804, making it visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions. Currently, it is a relatively bright companion to the star Bet Col. It’s situated at RA 87.7403°, Dec -35.7665°.

Why it’s Recognisable: This star's presence in the Col constellation is frequently perceived as a result of its unique positioning and apparent brightness. Looking at the star catalog suggests it is often identified as a “Bet Col” and that it is a companion to Bet Col. The magnitude of 2.804 suggests a significant contribution to the starscape, providing a relatively stable light source compared to broader, less familiar stars. Though distant and faint, its position allows for identification within established star charts, contributing to its historic presence among observers.

One sober note on symbolic dedication: While Wazn is a fascinating stellar entity, placing such a designation in a meaningful context often focuses on the dynamic interactions of celestial bodies. A selection of such stars historically has played a vital role in human calendars, driving cultural narratives and observation patterns. It serves as a testament to the enduring human desire to find patterns and meanings in the vastness of the night sky, even in the relatively straightforward observation of a single star—Wazn, in this instance.

How to see it

Wazn has a visual magnitude of about 2.80: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Wazn: right ascension 5h 50m 58s, declination −35° 45′ 59″ (J2000), on the celestial sphere.

Catalog context

Wazn. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Bet Col, HIP 27628, HD 39425, Gaia DR3 2887731882922767744.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 2887731882922767744

HIP

27628

HD

39425

gaia_dr3

2887731882922767744

Bayer / Flamsteed

Bet Col

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

2.80