White main-sequence star · Ophiuchus

Sabik

Also known as: η Ophiuchi (η Oph), HIP 84012

mag 2.488 light-years

About

Sabik (η Ophiuchi) is a white main-sequence star of magnitude 2.4 in Ophiuchus, about 88 light-years away.

Sabik is in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Best evenings: around late July 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 64° N.

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	Sabik
Designation	η Ophiuchi (η Oph)
Hipparcos number	HIP 84012
Type	White main-sequence star
Spectral type	A2.5Va
Colour	WhiteB−V colour index 0.06
Magnitude	2.4The smaller the number, the brighter.
Distance	88 light-yearsThe light you see left it around 1938.
Proper motion	0.11″ per year across the sky
Constellation	Ophiuchus
Right ascension (J2000)	17h 10m 22.7s
Declination (J2000)	−15° 43′ 30″