Name a Star in the Phoenix Constellation

The constellation Phoenix is one of the 88 modern constellations. It is located in the southern sky. Its name is derived from the mythical bird of the same name.  The constellation Phoenix is one of the four “southern birds”. It borders on the constellations Eridanus, Grus, Fornax, Hydrus, Sculptor, and Tucana. Phoenix can be seen on the far southern horizon from the Southern US each November. For people living south of the equator it is a favorite constellation to view because it is so easy to find. Unlike many constellations that have many unrelated interpretations in different cultures, the fire bird Phoenix was used in an array of mythologies including: Arabic, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Roman, and Turkish. Combined by Schiller with Grus, it was also known as Aaron the high priest of Israel. The Book of Job in the Old Testament mentions Phoenix.  

In mythology the Phoenix bird’s life span was always over 500 years. At the end of its life, it would build a nest of twigs from spice-trees on which it then died by setting the nest on fire and cremating itself alive. Shortly thereafter, from the ashes of the funeral pyre, a new perfect Phoenix in the image of the original would arise.  The new Phoenix would then collect what remained after the fire and fly them to Heliopolis, Egypt. Here he would sacrifice the remains on the altar of the Sun. It is a powerful symbol of renewal and rebirth. Naming a star in the constellation Phoenix is a fitting choice for a gift that symbolizes hope and renewal.  Click here for more information.

Phoenix contains several bright stars and deep sky objects that make it an interesting subject for stargazing and study. The brightest star in the constellation is Ankaa, also known as Alpha Phoenicis. It has a magnitude of 2.4, making it one of the brightest stars in the southern sky.  Two of the celebrities with stars named after them in this constellation are Angelina Jolie and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

If you’re searching for a meaningful gift idea, why not consider naming a star with the International Star Registry? This would make an excellent 65th birthday gift for someone who is special to you. The process of naming a star is simple: you can select any constellation when you name a star at www.starregistry.com.  

The Phoenix constellation is also known for its deep sky objects, including a group of galaxies known as Robert’s Quartet. This compact group was first discovered by John Herschel in the early 19th century.  

Symbol : Pho  

Right Ascension : 12:49  

Declination : -46  

Diameter (°) : 15  

Area (square °) : 469  

Opposition : Oct 06  

Size Rank : 37th  

Brightness Rank : 44th  

Genitive : Phoenicis  

Major Stars in Phoenix 

Ankaa – α Phoenicis (Alpha Phoenicis) 

β Phoenicis (Beta Phoenicis) 

γ Phoenicis (Gamma Phoenicis) 

κ Phoenicis (Kappa Phoenicis) 

ζ Phoenicis (Zeta Phoenicis) 

ν Phoenicis (Nu Phoenicis) 

SX Phoenicis 

HE0107-5240 

Gliese 915 

Deep sky objects in Phoenix 

Robert’s Quartet 

NGC 625 

HLX-1 

Phoenix Cluster

In conclusion, the constellation Phoenix is a unique and fascinating part of the southern sky. From its association with the mythical bird to its lovely stars and deep sky objects, there is much to discover in this small but recognizable constellation.