Sadr
The Heart of the Northern Cross
Sadr is a bright star located at the center of the constellation Cygnus, often referred to as the 'Heart of the Northern Cross.' It is a supergiant star that plays a significant role in the structure of the North America Nebula and shares space with stunning nebulas that are popular among astronomers and astrophotographers.
Key Facts
Distance
1,800 light-years from Earth
Size
Approx. 150 times the radius of the Sun
Visibility
Apparent magnitude of 13.24, visible to the naked eye
Spectral Type
A2 Ib (supergiant)
Temperature
Approx. 8,500 K
Luminosity
Over 100,000 times that of the Sun
Best Season
Best viewed during summer months (June to September) in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to Find It
Locate the constellation Cygnus, which looks like a cross in the summer sky. Sadr is situated at the intersection of the arms of the cross. It can be found by locating the bright stars Deneb and Albireo, which form the other points of the Northern Cross.
Observing Tip
For astrophotographers, Sadr is a great target due to its proximity to nebulas like the North America Nebula. Use a telescope with a wide field of view, and consider stacking images to capture the details of surrounding structures. Use a moderate exposure time to highlight variations in star colors and nearby nebulae.