Phoenix constellation
Phoenix is a constellation of the southern sky. Its brightest star is Ankaa. Visibility at mid-northern latitudes (52° N): not visible — too far south in the sky.
- —not visible at 52° N
- Ankaabrightest star, magnitude 2.4
- PhePhoenix
How to find the constellation Phoenix
The constellation Phoenix can’t be seen from mid-northern latitudes (52° N). At least part of it rises above the horizon south of 47° N.
| Location | Visibility |
|---|---|
| 40° NMadrid, New York, Beijing | only partly visible — its southern part never rises above the horizon |
| 52° NLondon, Berlin, Warsaw | not visible — too far south in the sky |
| 60° NOslo, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg | not visible — too far south in the sky |
Bright stars of the constellation
| Star | Magnitude | Color | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankaaα Phoenicis | 2.4 | orange | — |
| β Phoenicis | 3.3 | yellow | — |
| γ Phoenicis | 3.4 | orange | — |
| ε Phoenicis | 3.9 | orange | — |
| κ Phoenicis | 3.9 | bluish white | — |
| δ Phoenicis | 3.9 | orange | — |
| Wurrenζ Phoenicis | 3.9 | blue | — |
| η Phoenicis | 4.4 | bluish white | — |
| ψ Phoenicis | 4.4 | red | — |
| μ Phoenicis | 4.6 | orange | — |
Magnitude is a measure of a star’s brightness: the smaller the number, the brighter the star; on a dark night the naked eye can see stars down to magnitude 6.
Questions
How do you find the constellation Phoenix in the sky?
The constellation Phoenix can’t be seen from mid-northern latitudes (52° N). At least part of it rises above the horizon south of 47° N.
When is the best time of year to observe the constellation Phoenix?
The constellation Phoenix can’t be seen from mid-northern latitudes (52° N) at any time of year. At least part of it rises above the horizon south of 47° N.
What is the brightest star in the constellation Phoenix?
Ankaa: magnitude 2.4, orange.
How many stars are there in the constellation Phoenix?
With the naked eye on a perfectly dark night — with no light pollution and no Moon — you can see about 39 stars in the constellation (brighter than magnitude 6, within the constellation’s boundaries). In a city far fewer: usually only the stars of its figure.