SkyKeepsake page about the star Copernicus
Who it is: Copernicus is a small, red dwarf star, located within the Constellation Narcissus. It is approximately 5.733 in magnitude and visible to the naked eye as a distant, easily identifiable star. It is about 41.05 light years from Earth. The star’s designation is Cnc, a designation derived from its location within the Cenf constellation. Copernicus is a relatively cool star, classifying as a Red Dwarf Star. The star has a visible magnitude of 5.733 and orbits the celestial body at a distance of 41.05 light years.
Why it’s recognizable: Sirius, as the brightest star in the night sky, has been a frequent subject of study. Copernicus represents a key point of early observation. As a red dwarf, it possesses a relatively low intrinsicluminosity compared to other stars in its size range. This subtle size combined with its low brightness allows for it to be easily visible even with relatively small telescopes and for the simple identification of a possible bright spot in the sky through observation. Its unique characteristics of its spectral emission can also provide clues and allow scientists to trace its energy output, even with distance measurements.
One sober note on its symbolic potential: While not a central figure in human history, Copernicus's meticulous observations and mathematical calculations propelled a revolutionary shift in our understanding of the cosmos and the universe. Identifying a point of star, in particular a red dwarf like him, can trigger a deeper contemplation of the scale of the universe– a fleeting spark to symbolize the long and persistent effort to map it.
How to see it
Copernicus has a visual magnitude of about 5.73: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Copernicus: right ascension 8h 52m 35s, declination +28° 19′ 47″ (J2000), in the region of the Cancer constellation (IAU figure Cnc).
Catalog context
Copernicus. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 55Rho1Cnc, HIP 43587, HD 75732, Gaia DR3 704967037090946688. In the SkyKeepsake Cancer (Cnc) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 704967037090946688
- HIP
- 43587
- HD
- 75732
- gaia_dr3
- 704967037090946688
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 55Rho1Cnc
Also known as
- 55Rho1Cnc
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 704967037090946688
- Gl 324A
- HD 75732
- HIP 43587
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 5.73