Tarf is a relatively small, faint star within the Constellation Concentra, located at approximately 322.8 lightyears from Earth. This star belongs to the Ursa Major constellation, identified by its prominent position within the galactic center. It is esti
In the cosmos, Tarf stands out due to its relatively modest size and intense brightness, within a zone of the Milky Way galaxy where it can be seen as a bright, yet distant star compared to many of its brethren. Its characteristics are generally consistent with a low spectral type. This makes it a particularly valuable object for astronomers studying the properties of younger, less luminous stars. Given its location within the Milky Way, it experiences periodic drifts in its position with regards to the stars around it, providing a unique point of observation for astronomy.
The position and brightness of Tarf make it a significant object for those interested in the formation of new stars within the Milky Way galaxy. Its relatively stable spectral type – consistent across multiple observations – suggests it may be undergoing a relatively slow, steady evolution. The fact that it maintains a consistent visibility while moving through the galaxy has made it an object studied in the celestial sphere throughout the vast expanse of space.
Tarf is a relatively unremarkable star – a mere speck of light in the dark gulf of space, not displaying any noteworthy spectral or physical characteristics beyond its brightness and location. It serves as a constant reminder that significant changes occur in the ever-expanding universe of stars and planets.
How to see it
Tarf has a visual magnitude of about 3.00: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Tarf: right ascension 8h 16m 31s, declination +9° 11′ 7″ (J2000), in the region of the Cancer constellation (IAU figure Cnc).
Catalog context
Tarf. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 17Bet Cnc, HIP 40526, HD 69267, Gaia DR3 3098404220680931968. In the SkyKeepsake Cancer (Cnc) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 3098404220680931968
- HIP
- 40526
- HD
- 69267
- gaia_dr3
- 3098404220680931968
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 17Bet Cnc
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 3.00