The star Muliphein is a relatively recently identified Cepheid variable star located in the Constellation CMa, a venerable and well-studied group of faint stars situated within the Libra constellation. Designated as CMa 23Gam, Muliphein is a magnitude 4.0
Mulিপ Hein is recognizable within the night sky due to its consistent, but subtle, brightness fluctuations—these are key indicators used for determining distances to relatively nearby stars. Unlike many bright stars, which exhibit more prominent, easily discernible variations, Muliphein demonstrates a steady, albeit gentle, shift in its luminosity, which makes it a highly valuable celestial signature. Observations and spectral data have suggested this consistent behavior, supporting its designation as a Cepheid variable star – a type of stellar luminosity that provides a strong link to distance. This is supported by the star’s specific coordinates: RA 105.9396°, Dec -15.6333°. This location points to it forming a dense region within the Milky Way, impacting the wider galactic field.
Due to the pattern of its pulsations, there's a plausible, though not universally accepted, interpretation regarding how MulipHein might play within the larger galactic context. While observations provide only a fraction of the full picture – it hasn’t been directly imaged or utilized in direct astrophysical processes – the sheer number of galaxies the Star displays as well as having been in the field of observation for a longer period suggests it is the result of stellar evolution, perhaps a remnant of a more massive progenitor. It isn't easily identified with any particular phenomenon, offering a subtle anchor amongst the broader star chart.
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How to see it
Muliphein has a visual magnitude of about 4.09: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Muliphein: right ascension 7h 3m 45s, declination −15° 38′ 0″ (J2000), in the region of the Canis Major constellation (IAU figure CMa).
Catalog context
Muliphein. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 23Gam CMa, HIP 34045, HD 53244, Gaia DR3 2936152657031151232. In the SkyKeepsake Canis Major (CMa) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 2936152657031151232
- HIP
- 34045
- HD
- 53244
- gaia_dr3
- 2936152657031151232
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 23Gam CMa
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 4.09