The AsterNym star registry
Aerostaticus
Aerostaticus: the white star of Microscopium
white · Microscopium · ε Mic
Aerostaticus is a white star, burning hotter than our own Sun in the constellation Microscopium, one of the few thousand stars bright enough to carry an officially recognised name. On a dark, clear night you can find it with your own eyes.
Most stars in the sky are anonymous points of light. Aerostaticus is not — it has held a name across generations of sky-watchers, which makes it a rare thing to attach a name of your own to.
Real star · Personal dedication · Recorded in the AsterNym registry
See what a dedicated page looks like — preview
Aerostaticus at a glance
- Constellation
- Microscopium
- Other name
- ε Mic
- Catalogue number
- HIP 105140
- Distance
- ≈ 182 light-years
- Brightness
- Magnitude 4.71 naked-eye
- Star type
- A0V
- Colour
- white
- Best seen from
- The Southern Hemisphere and lower northern latitudes
- Right ascension
- 21h 17m 56s
- Declination
- −32° 10′ 21″
Coordinates are J2000 epoch, checkable against any astronomical source or planetarium app.
What could a Aerostaticus dedication represent?
Aerostaticus is especially meaningful for someone who:
- · Deserves something older than any gift shop
- · Marks a beginning, an anniversary or a promise
- · Is remembered every time you look up
- · Has a light you want recorded somewhere permanent
Dedication idea
“For the one I think of when I find Microscopium in the sky.”
Where can you see Aerostaticus?
It is easy to see from much of the Southern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower northern latitudes, but it never rises for observers north of about latitude 58°N.
Aerostaticus belongs to Microscopium, where it is the brightest star.
Dedicate Aerostaticus to someone who matters
A flower fades. A card is eventually put away. A star gives your message a place in the sky.
Your Aerostaticus dedication includes:
- · Your chosen dedication name
- · Your personal message
- · Aerostaticus's real astronomical coordinates
- · A shareable dedication page
- · Its location on the AsterNym Galaxy Map
- · An optional printable certificate and gift presentation
Aerostaticus keeps its established astronomical name. Your dedication is a personal commemorative record within the AsterNym registry.
Frequently asked questions about Aerostaticus
- Is Aerostaticus the brightest star?
- Aerostaticus shines at magnitude 4.71 — visible to the naked eye on a clear night, one of the few thousand stars with an officially recognised name.
- How far away is Aerostaticus?
- Aerostaticus is approximately 182 light-years from Earth. The light reaching us tonight began its journey around 182 years ago.
- Which constellation contains Aerostaticus?
- Aerostaticus is the brightest star in Microscopium.
- Can everyone see Aerostaticus?
- It is easy to see from much of the Southern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower northern latitudes, but it never rises for observers north of about latitude 58°N.
- Is dedicating Aerostaticus an official astronomical renaming?
- No. Aerostaticus keeps its internationally recognised astronomical name. An AsterNym dedication records your personal name and message in the AsterNym registry without changing the star's scientific identity.