SkyKeepsake page about the star Yunü

1. Who it is: Yunü is a relatively bright red giant star and a significant member of the constellation Leo. It’s located roughly 295.9 light-years from Earth in the Southern Hemisphere. Notably, Yunü’s precise location on the celestial sphere, which is crucial for navigation and star charts, is often represented as RA 151.9758°, Dec 9.9972°. The star’s magnitude is an easy-to-recognise figure of 3.839, indicating its brightness. It's currently observed as a standard member within the Leo constellation, providing a stable and reliable indicator of the night sky.

2. Why it is Recognizable in the Sky: Yunü shines brilliantly due to its age and evolutionary stage. Its size is typical for a relatively massive red giant, approximately 11 magnitudes smaller than the Sun. It's frequently seen as a subtle yet visible point of light early in the evening hours. Historically and still, its characteristic reddish hue is a valuable aid in discerning relative positions across vast expanses of the night sky. The luminosity is significant enough for detailed observation with older instruments.

3. Symbolic Consideration: While not a primary figure of importance in ancient folklore, the association of Yunü with Leo – an energetic and protective zodiac constellation – suggests a potential symbolism for individuals seeking direction or a connection to celestial power. Its steady light throughout numerous centuries might conjure images of lasting constancy, a trait valued by those seeking guidance, especially in times of uncertainty.

How to see it

Yunü has a visual magnitude of about 3.84: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Yunü: right ascension 10h 7m 54s, declination +9° 59′ 50″ (J2000), on the celestial sphere.

Catalog context

Yunü. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 31 Leo, HIP 49637, HD 87837, Gaia DR3 3879879704937353984.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 3879879704937353984

HIP

49637

HD

87837

gaia_dr3

3879879704937353984

Bayer / Flamsteed

31 Leo

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

3.84