Preview — this is a sample dedication, shown so you can see what a dedicated star page looks like.
A dedicated star
Aerostaticus
white · Microscopium · ε Mic
Dedicated to
Maya
by Her sister, June · August 12, 2026
“You were born on the brightest night of my life. Whenever you feel small, remember: there is a star that has carried your name since before you could read it — and it is still up there, still burning, still yours.”
This dedication
- Dedicated to
- Maya
- Dedicated by
- Her sister, June
- Recorded
- August 12, 2026
- Held until
- August 12, 2027
When this dedication ends, Aerostaticus becomes available again. Want it? Put the date in your calendar.
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.
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.
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.