61 Cygni (61 Cyg)

61 Cygni (61 Cyg) is a double star in the constellation Cygnus, magnitude 5.3.

A pair of orange dwarfs about 11.4 light-years away; 61 Cygni was the first star to have its distance measured (Bessel, 1838). Its components (magnitudes 5.3 and 6.1; spectral types K5 V (orange) and K7 V (orange)) lie 32″ apart at PA 154° (measured 2025).

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around September, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in August). It can be seen from everywhere north of 51°S and never sets north of 51°N.

At its highest it stands 79° up from 50°N, 86° up from 35°N, 51° up from the equator, 16° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Double star

Constellation

Cygnus

Designations

61 Cyg, STF 2758, HIP 104214

Magnitude

5.3

Position

RA 21h 6.9m, Dec +38° 45′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when 61 Cygni (61 Cyg) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.