Albireo B is a prominent binary star system located within the constellation Vulpecula, a visually recognizable area of the night sky. This star exhibits a complex, captivating nature, primarily identified as a variable star, as evidenced by its observed
Its recognisability as a star is primarily based on its proximity to Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius is known for its unwavering luminosity and consistent brilliance, offering a readily observable point of reference for astronomers across millennia. This star’s spectral classification is suggestive of a yellowish tint, hinting at a potential lower temperature than some stars of similar magnitude; its spectral type is not easily determined through conventional methods.
Albireo B possesses a fascinating alignment with neighboring stars, leading to a peculiar and extended period of observation that’s now relatively common. The star’s precise coordinates, recorded through measurements spanning approximately 398 light-years, allow for detailed studies of its orbital patterns, helping refine our understanding of stellar dynamics within the Vela constellation, as well as revealing a unique interaction across a region of space, potentially exhibiting some type of tidal effect influencing neighboring stars.
The deliberate naming of Albireo B perhaps stems from an observational connection, highlighting a core aspect of its appearance – a striking contrast between its outer edges and its inner core, subtly changing with its orbital movement. The data available, with its specific characteristics and observed variation, offers an interesting case study.
How to see it
Albireo B has a visual magnitude of about 5.10: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Albireo B: right ascension 19h 30m 45s, declination +27° 57′ 55″ (J2000), in the region of the Vulpecula constellation (IAU figure Vul).
Catalog context
Albireo B. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 6Bet2Cyg, HIP 95951, HD 183914, Gaia DR3 2026113339752723456. In the SkyKeepsake Vulpecula (Vul) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 2026113339752723456
- HIP
- 95951
- HD
- 183914
- gaia_dr3
- 2026113339752723456
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 6Bet2Cyg
Also known as
- 6Bet2Cyg
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 2026113339752723456
- HD 183914
- HIP 95951
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 5.10