Observation by Mazin Younis: The Mighty Canopus

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Mazin Younis

Observer

Mazin Younis

Observed

2023 Dec 20 - 01:00

Uploaded

2023 Dec 26 - 17:19

Objects

Canopus

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Constellation

Carina

Field centre

RA: 06^h23^m
Dec: -52°34'
Position angle: -7°57'

Field size

2°23' × 1°36'

Equipment

Esprit 100ED Pro
ASI 2600MC

Exposure

13 x 60s

Location

Personal remote telescope - Morocco

Title

The Mighty Canopus

About this image

Canopus is the brightest star in the southern constellation of Carina and the second-brightest star in the night sky. With a visual magnitude of −0.74, only Sirius outshines it. It is a giant spectral type A9, though proximity to horizon can sometimes make it appear reddish.

In theory, the northern limit of visibility for Canopus is latitude 37° 18′ north, though practically it’s quite difficult to see from latitudes higher than Baghdad or Tangier. From my telescope location in S Morocco, Canopus reaches up to 7° 17′ above southern horizon. This shot is a total of 13min exposure.

In the Arab world, Canopus, known as Suhail, is well-recognized in countries/towns south of latitude 36° and is featured in century-old poems, also in rhyming proverbs mainly associated with weather forecast. Additionally, it is a commonly used name for boys, while the feminine version is Suhaila, which happens to be my auntie’s name :)

Files associated with this observation

Canopus.jpg (1.8 MB)

Like this image

Dr Paul Leyland, Graham Winstanley, Jeremy Shears, Andrew Paterson

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