Alkes

Alkes (α Crateris) is a orange giant star in the constellation Crater. With an apparent magnitude of 4.08 it is the 566th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 159 light-years from Earth.

Finder chart showing where Alkes is in the constellation Crater
Alkes (circled) in Crater, with the surrounding constellations and bright stars.
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Facts

ConstellationCrater
Designationα Crateris (Alpha Crateris), HR 4287
Apparent magnitude4.08 (566th brightest)
Spectral typeK0+III
Colororange (B−V 1.09)
Distanceabout 159 light-years
Right ascension10 h 59.8 min
Declination−18.30°
Best monthApril (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find Alkes

Alkes is in Crater. From 40° N it is highest in the south in April evenings, about 32° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 73° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Gienah (18° away), Alphard (24° away) and Regulus (33° away).

Crater constellation →

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