Preview — this is a sample dedication, shown so you can see what a dedicated star page looks like.
A dedicated star
Menkalinan
white · Auriga · β Aur
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, Menkalinan becomes available again. Want it? Put the date in your calendar.
Menkalinan at a glance
- Constellation
- Auriga
- Other name
- β Aur
- Catalogue number
- HIP 28360
- Distance
- ≈ 82 light-years
- Brightness
- Magnitude 1.90 naked-eye
- Star type
- A2 IV
- Colour
- white
- Best seen from
- The Northern Hemisphere and lower southern latitudes
- Right ascension
- 05h 59m 32s
- Declination
- +44° 56′ 51″
Coordinates are J2000 epoch, checkable against any astronomical source or planetarium app.
Where can you see Menkalinan?
It is easy to see from most of the Northern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower southern latitudes, but it never rises for observers south of about latitude 45°S.
Menkalinan belongs to Auriga.
Frequently asked questions about Menkalinan
- Is Menkalinan the brightest star?
- Menkalinan shines at magnitude 1.90 — visible to the naked eye on a clear night, one of the few thousand stars with an officially recognised name.
- How far away is Menkalinan?
- Menkalinan is approximately 82 light-years from Earth. The light reaching us tonight began its journey around 82 years ago.
- Which constellation contains Menkalinan?
- Menkalinan is part of Auriga.
- Can everyone see Menkalinan?
- It is easy to see from most of the Northern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower southern latitudes, but it never rises for observers south of about latitude 45°S.
- Is dedicating Menkalinan an official astronomical renaming?
- No. Menkalinan 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.