Alasia
Sct, a prominent constellation visible to the naked eye in the northern sky, Alasia appears as a faint, shimmering white disk nestled amongst the stars of the southern end of the constellation. It's a relatively low-elevation star located at RA 275.4573°, Dec -11.9230°. Its magnitude, 7.784, places it among the brightest stars in its part of the sky. Alasia is remarkably close to Earth, boasting a distance of 136 light-years.
Known for its unique, almost ethereal appearance, Alasia is recognisable due to its elliptical orbit. It exemplifies a star that isn’t easily seen, a distant beacon gently drifting amongst the more established constellations. Observations reveal that this star possesses a relatively high parallax angle of 23.99 mas, indicating significant shifts within its location throughout the years. Scientists are interested in this star’s orbital speed, recording it as -25.47 km/s. Further spectral analysis indicates an age consistent with a relatively ancient stellar population, possibly being a red giant.
Given its orbital characteristics and location, Alasia serves as a compelling subject for consideration, prompting a meditative outlook as the small point of light reflects upon a sprawling expanse of space. It evokes images of a celestial artifact observed from afar, hinting at a timeless, untouched vantage point.
How to see it
Alasia has a visual magnitude of about 7.78: it usually needs binoculars or a small telescope, especially from light-polluted sites.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Alasia: right ascension 18h 21m 50s, declination −11° 55′ 23″ (J2000), in the region of the Scutum constellation (IAU figure Sct).
Catalog context
Alasia. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as HIP 90004, HD 168746, Gaia DR3 4153637759337630720. In the SkyKeepsake Scutum (Sct) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 4153637759337630720
- HIP
- 90004
- HD
- 168746
- gaia_dr3
- 4153637759337630720
Also known as
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 4153637759337630720
- HD 168746
- HIP 90004
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 7.78