Tau—a distinctive star in the constellation Tau—is identified by its designation as 20 Tau. This magnitude 3.863 star is located approximately 425.2 lightyears from us, residing within the vast and complex constellation of Tau. It is noteworthy for its sp
Understanding Maia’s significance centers on its observable characteristics; based on astronomical records and observed patterns, it represents a relatively bright stellar object, frequently considered a companion to the central star Sirius, a well-known constellation that is located to the northern pole of the Milky Way. This observation underlines the star’s relative proximity relative to a nearby, well known star.
Furthermore, Maia's placement within the Tau constellation, in the direction of approximately 56 degrees in the celestial sphere, lends it a specific and identifiable role within the general celestial map. This position offers opportunities for observation from across a broader, larger area of the sky. Given its position within Tau, it often serves as a prominent and easily noticeable marker against the backdrop of other stars.
For those contemplating dedication, Maia represents a celestial point of connection, a point of observation that has been carefully designated within a broader astronomical context. The star’s enduring presence makes it a symbol of persistent space.
How to see it
Maia has a visual magnitude of about 3.86: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Maia: right ascension 3h 45m 50s, declination +24° 22′ 3″ (J2000), in the region of the Taurus constellation (IAU figure Tau).
Catalog context
Maia. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 20 Tau, HIP 17573, HD 23408, Gaia DR3 65283232316451328. In the SkyKeepsake Taurus (Tau) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 65283232316451328
- HIP
- 17573
- HD
- 23408
- gaia_dr3
- 65283232316451328
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 20 Tau
Also known as
- 20 Tau
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 65283232316451328
- HD 23408
- HIP 17573
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 3.86