Fomalhaut

Fomalhaut (α Piscis Austrini) is a white main-sequence star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus. With an apparent magnitude of 1.16 it is the 18th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 25 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationPiscis Austrinus
Designationα Piscis Austrini (Alpha Piscis Austrini), HR 8728
Apparent magnitude1.16 (18th brightest)
Spectral typeA3V
Colorwhite (B−V 0.09)
Distanceabout 25 light-years
Right ascension22 h 57.7 min
Declination−29.62°
Best monthOctober (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 Fomalhaut

Fomalhaut is in Piscis Austrinus. From 40° N it is highest in the south in October evenings, about 20° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 85° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Tiaki (18° away), Alnair (20° away) and Ankaa (22° away).

Piscis Austrinus constellation →

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