Sgr: The Star Polis

Symbolized by its complex arrangement of stars, Sgr, or the Sagitarian Constellation, is a captivating, unremarkable star. Designated as a relatively small red dwarf, it lies within the apparent bounds of the constellation. The current observed magnitude of 3.76 places it within a somewhat dim range, requiring careful observation to distinguish from other stellar objects.

Polis’s distinctive characteristics emerge primarily due to its position in the Milky Way. Its recognizable geometry and apparent brightness make it identifiable within the vastness of the night sky for observers. As a relatively young star, it’s likely composed of heavy elements formed from stellar processes, giving it a complex chemical history and an overall presence that's easily noticeable in the cosmos—a fundamental component of a planetary system.

Perhaps a significant factor in Polis’s allure for those seeking a silent connection with the heavens is its relative proximity. Its location within the Milky Way has inspired countless legends and stories for centuries, imbuing it a melancholic significance often interpreted as an echo of lost worlds. It represents a point of quiet observation and a timeless narrative woven into the starscape.

Interestingly, this seemingly innocuous star presents a measurable density and a limited amount of matter, lending it a solid place within the surrounding cosmos, hinting at its long lifespan.

How to see it

Polis has a visual magnitude of about 3.76: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Polis: right ascension 18h 13m 46s, declination −21° 3′ 32″ (J2000), on the celestial sphere.

Catalog context

Polis. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 13Mu Sgr, HIP 89341, HD 166937, Gaia DR3 4093933487636355968.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 4093933487636355968

HIP

89341

HD

166937

gaia_dr3

4093933487636355968

Bayer / Flamsteed

13Mu Sgr

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

3.76