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), in the region of the Phoenix constellation (IAU figure Phe).
Catalog context
p Eridani. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as HIP 7751, HD 10360, Gaia DR3 4911306239828325760. In the SkyKeepsake Phoenix (Phe) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 4911306239828325760
- HIP
- 7751
- HD
- 10360
- gaia_dr3
- 4911306239828325760
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 5.63