SkyKeepsake page about the star Zhang.
Zhang is a prominent star within the Hya constellation, designated as M39Up1, and is presently the third brightest star observable from Earth. He is a relatively small star, with a visual magnitude of 3.864. This magnitude place him firmly within the category of relatively low-luminosity stars, exhibiting a measurable brightness compared to smaller stellar populations. His observed position in space, as catalog code M39Up1, places him at RA 147.8696° and Dec -14.8467°. Further orbital data suggests he’s relatively stable, having remained largely in the same position for at least 130 years.
Zhang is recognized as recognizable in the southern sky, often serving as a pivotal landmark for amateurs observing the universe. The unique nature of his positioning – his position within the Hya constellation and his relative brightness – allows him to be identified as a vital and relatively easily visible component within the vast expanse of space. This characteristic combined with relatively high luminosity in relation to neighboring stars contributes to his significance as a navigational tool and a familiar object for astronomers.
This star represents a unique window into the history of astronomical observation, particularly from the perspective of the early years of celestial mapping.
- M39Up1 - HD 85444 - RA 147.8696° - Dec -14.8467°
How to see it
Zhang 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 Zhang: right ascension 9h 51m 29s, declination −14° 50′ 48″ (J2000), in the region of the Hydra constellation (IAU figure Hya).
Catalog context
Zhang. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 39Ups1Hya, HIP 48356, HD 85444, Gaia DR3 5687035813759862272. In the SkyKeepsake Hydra (Hya) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 5687035813759862272
- HIP
- 48356
- HD
- 85444
- gaia_dr3
- 5687035813759862272
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 39Ups1Hya
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 3.86