SkyKeepsake page about the star p Eridani

p Eridani is a star classified as a giant elliptical star, positioned within the constellation Phe. It exhibits a brightness of 5.625 and a visible distance of 26.73 light years, making it a relatively bright star, though not particularly luminous. The star is located roughly at RA 24.9507° and Dec -56.1964°.

This star’s recognizable position within the night sky is primarily due to its close proximity to Sirius, a significant, brightest star in the constellation Ursa Major. Sirius is easily discernible, providing a clear point of reference for countless observers. Its relative brightness and visual prominence are characteristics common to stars within the magnitude scale of 5.0, reflecting its modest importance compared to more distant constellations.

From a historical perspective, the star’s designation likely held a symbolic value for various cultures. The choice to identify it within the constellation Phe, a constellation long known for its association with deities, suggests it may have held spiritual or astronomical significance. It remains an intriguing example of how stars - and constellations - have subtly altered human perspectives, connecting individuals with fundamental questions of time, place, and celestial significance.

How to see it

p Eridani has a visual magnitude of about 5.63: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for p Eridani: right ascension 1h 39m 48s, declination −56° 11′ 47″ (J2000), on the celestial sphere.

Catalog context

p Eridani. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as HIP 7751, HD 10360, Gaia DR3 4911306239828325760.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 4911306239828325760

HIP

7751

HD

10360

gaia_dr3

4911306239828325760

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

5.63