Astrognome A-Z of Constellations # 64 Phoenix

Phoenix the Phoenix

An inconspicuous constellation lying near the southern end of Eridanus the River representing the mythological bird that was regularly reborn from its own ashes. It was introduced in 1603 by Johann Bayer in an area known by the Arabs as the boat moored on the shores of the river.

Alpha magnitude 2.4 class K0 giant temperature 4,200’C degrees distance 85 light years.

Beta magnitude 3.3 class G8 giant temperature 4,800’C degrees distance 200 light years

Gamma magnitude 3.4 red giant M0 class star, temperature 3,500’C degrees distance 234 light years.