White main-sequence star · Vela

Alsephina

Also known as: δ Velorum (δ Vel), HIP 42913

mag 1.981 light-years

About

Alsephina (δ Velorum) is a white main-sequence star of magnitude 1.9 in Vela, about 81 light-years away.

Alsephina is in the constellation Vela.
Best evenings: around mid-March it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 25° N.
Star patterns: False Cross.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesEasy, even from town.
Binoculars (10×50)A sharp point; binoculars bring out its colour and the fainter stars around it.
Telescope (6–8 inch)Still a point of light at any magnification — stars are too far away to show a disc. Low in the sky, bright stars twinkle and flash colours.

Stars look the same in any instrument: brighter and sharper, but never bigger.

Proper name	Alsephina
Designation	δ Velorum (δ Vel)
Hipparcos number	HIP 42913
Type	White main-sequence star
Spectral type	A1V
Colour	WhiteB−V colour index 0.04
Magnitude	1.9The smaller the number, the brighter.
Distance	81 light-yearsThe light you see left it around 1945.
Proper motion	0.11″ per year across the sky
Constellation	Vela
Right ascension (J2000)	08h 44m 42.2s
Declination (J2000)	−54° 42′ 32″