Tau – Electra – 3.698
Electra is a relatively small red dwarf star located within the Tau constellation, tracing a pale stripe across the southeastern horizon. Classified as a magnitude 3.698, it’s a relatively nearby stellar object. It’s not currently undergoing significant parallax movement – its velocity is nearly unchanged – making it a steady, reliable star to observe. Based on its location and apparent brightness, Electra likely receives a modest amount of sunlight. It’s currently listed as a “distant” star within the catalog, though it's crucial to understand this means relatively far away compared to more prominent stellar objects.
The distinctive nature of Electra stems primarily from its position within the Tau constellation’s core, nestled near a relatively bright, densely packed region of stars. Its visible magnitude, 3.698, indicates a relatively low luminosity – though not a dim one – making it suitable for observing from relatively low-powered telescopes or binoculars. Interestingly, the star emits a faint reddish light colour, reflecting its spectral properties. It’s estimated to be about 390.8 light-years from Earth, placing it within the Milky Way galaxy. The data reveals a stable, long-term position, a fascinating element regarding stellar evolution.
Given its relatively stable proximity and magnitude within the Tau constellation, Electra seems to represent a deliberate, almost meditative choice within the observational universe. Looking at its history—and the catalog data— suggests that someone, perhaps a solitary seeker or astronomer, might have chosen this particular star as a dedicated focus. This isn’t about romantic idealism or divine connection – merely the conscious decision to observe a specific, observable celestial body. It’s a focused moment, anchoring within a vast, ancient pattern of space.
How to see it
Electra has a visual magnitude of about 3.70: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Electra: right ascension 3h 44m 53s, declination +24° 6′ 47″ (J2000), in the region of the Taurus constellation (IAU figure Tau).
Catalog context
Electra. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 17 Tau, HIP 17499, HD 23302, Gaia DR3 65271996684817280. In the SkyKeepsake Taurus (Tau) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 65271996684817280
- HIP
- 17499
- HD
- 23302
- gaia_dr3
- 65271996684817280
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 17 Tau
Also known as
- 17 Tau
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 65271996684817280
- HD 23302
- HIP 17499
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 3.70