HR Special Stars


Elsewhere, I have shared with you my personal list of some of the best and brightest double-star and multiple-star systems.  Here, we'll revisit my observing notebook compiled over the last 20 years by listing stars from the Bright Star Catalogue (HR) that have some noteworthy attribute.  Many of these stars are decidedly red in color, a true joy to behold for any enthusiastic observer.  This list is by no means complete.  Additions are welcome!

Lepus, 4:54 to 6:09
HR 1607 (R Lep: red star)

Gemini, 5:57 to 8:06
HR 2216 (η Gem: golden yellow star)

Puppis, 6:02 to 8:26
HR 2773 (π Pup: yellow, yellow-orange star w/faint blue companion)
HR 2902 (KQ Pup: bright yellow star)

Leo, 9:18 to 11:56
HR 3882 (R Leo: red star)

Canes Venatici, 12:04 to 14:05
HR 4846 (Y CVn: red star)

Libra, 14:18 to 15:59
HR 5743 (32 Lib: red star)

Scorpius, 15:44 to 17:55
HR 6060 (18 Sco: G2V star; 45 ly)

Lyra, 18:12 to 19:26
HR 6847 (G2V star; 74 ly)

Scutum, 18:18 to 18:56
HR 7089 (S Sct: red star)

Aquila, 18:38 to 20:36
HR 7220 (V Aql: red star)

Cepheus, 20:01 to 8:30
HR 8316 (μ Cep: orange star)

Pegasus, 21:06 to 0:13
HR 8210 (IK Peg: nearest known supernova progenitor, 151 ly)

Lacerta, 21:55 to 22:56
HR 8498 (1 Lac: really yellow star; fainter blue star to west for contrast)

Pisces, 22:49 to 2:04
HR 9004 (19 Psc = TX Psc: red star)

Andromeda, 22:56 to 2:36
HR 9107 (G2V star; 128 ly)

Cassiopeia, 22:56 to 3:36
HR 9066 (R Cas: red star)

There are three single (non-binary) and non-variable stars listed above with a spectral classification of G2V that are bright enough to have HR numbers.  The "G2" means a spectral type of G2, and the "V" means a luminosity class of main sequence or "dwarf".  G2V is, of course, the spectral classification of the Sun, so here we have the opportunity to see a star that is very similar to the Sun.