SkyKeptsake page about the star Zibal

Zibal is a minor blue variable star, a type of Cephe, located within the constellation Eri. This star is approximately 119 light years from Earth and presents a brightness of 4.734. It measures a visual magnitude of 4.734 and has an estimated distance of 119.1 light-years. The star's precise movement is recorded as having a proper motion of 27.39 mas/yr in the RA direction, and a Dec position of -8.8195. Interestingly, Zibal exhibits a fairly regular, though somewhat subtle, shift in its position across its entire celestial span.

Zibal is widely recognized as a recognizable component of the Eri constellation due to its peculiar characteristics as a Cephe star – a pulsating variable star. These stars appear to oscillate in brightness and phase as they emit electromagnetic radiation which causes the perception of the star’s shifting appearance. A crucial aspect of the star’s longevity is its relatively stable period. It has experienced only around 80 years of apparent brightness and has maintained constant brightness over long periods of time.

Given its apparent magnitude and relatively stable nature, this might make it useful as a subject for symbolic or religious significance. Some traditions suggest that observing a star like Zibal can foster contemplation and align the gaze with a particular point within the cosmos - a reflection of a moment in the space between observation and creation.

How to see it

Zibal has a visual magnitude of about 4.73: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Zibal: right ascension 3h 15m 50s, declination −8° 49′ 10″ (J2000), in the region of the Eridanus constellation (IAU figure Eri).

Eridanus — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Zibal. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 13Zet Eri, HIP 15197, HD 20320, Gaia DR3 5166714578981717632. In the SkyKeepsake Eridanus (Eri) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 5166714578981717632

HIP

15197

HD

20320

gaia_dr3

5166714578981717632

Bayer / Flamsteed

13Zet Eri

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

4.73