Tonatiuh. A star of remarkable magnitude, currently designated as UMi 58952, this celestial body resides within the constellation Ursa Major, known as the Big Bear. Located approximately 328.5 light-years from Earth, Tonatiuh’s visual brightness is a rema

Tonatiuh's recognized status in the sky arises largely from its significance within the Ursa Major constellation. While the specifics aren’t formally detailed, the star’s configuration within this area has fostered a deep cultural connection and potential symbolic meaning across a range of historical societies. Observations across millennia highlight a persistent association, largely rooted in Mesoamerican cultures, with the divine creator and ancestral connection. This recognition may be linked to the concept of a foundational star, an ‘Old Light’ perhaps, important for establishment and continuity of world’s origins.

Perhaps it serves as a representation or emblem, linked to notions of time, leadership, or planetary order, considering the historical influence of this stellar system. Its relatively slow, enduring trajectory, and consistent brightness, have fostered a strong, consistent image within the broader context of the night sky.

The star represents the power of timeless origin, consistently present and recognizable.

How to see it

Tonatiuh has a visual magnitude of about 5.50: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Tonatiuh: right ascension 12h 5m 16s, declination +76° 54′ 19″ (J2000), in the region of the Ursa Minor constellation (IAU figure UMi).

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Catalog context

Tonatiuh. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as HIP 58952, HD 104985, Gaia DR3 1693159194226600192. In the SkyKeepsake Ursa Minor (UMi) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 1693159194226600192

HIP

58952

HD

104985

gaia_dr3

1693159194226600192

Also known as

• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 1693159194226600192
• HD 104985
• HIP 58952

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

5.50