RY Draconis

Binoculars • Carbon Stars RY Draconis finder map.

Finder map for RY Draconis

Circumpolar for mid-to-high northern latitudes. Requires a clear northern horizon for lower northern latitudes. Accurately estimating its magnitude against comparison stars, especially near minimum brightness.

Finder scope & binocular view of RY Draconis

Property	Value
Common names	RY Dra
Catalog names	-
Type	Evolved Star
Subtype	Carbon Star
Coordinates	12h 56m 25.91s, +65° 59’ 39.81”
Season	March - May
Best month	April
Beginner friendly	No
Visual reward	Moderate
Filters required	None
LP tolerance	Medium
Minimum equipment	Binoculars
Optimal equipment	Small telescope
Magnitude	6.3
Size	-
Constellation	Draco

Observation Notes

Naked Eye

Not a naked-eye target. Optical aid is required; binoculars or a small telescope are needed for visual observation.

Binoculars

Easily visible throughout its brightness cycle and well suited for routine visual monitoring and approximate magnitude estimation using comparison charts.

Small Telescope

Provides a comfortable, unambiguous view that makes identifying the star and its comparison sequence straightforward. No surface detail is visible.

Medium Telescope

Helpful when the star is near its faintest, allowing the use of fainter and more closely matched comparison stars for improved magnitude estimates.

Large Telescope

Offers no additional visual detail beyond smaller instruments and is unnecessary for routine visual observation.

Observing RY Draconis from your latitude

From mid-northern latitudes (~40°N), RY Draconis reaches a maximum altitude of about 64° above the northern horizon and is circumpolar — it never sets, staying above the horizon all night, best placed April - June.

Your latitude	Max altitude	Hours above horizon
60°N (≈ Oslo, Helsinki, Anchorage)	84°	Circumpolar (24h)
50°N (≈ London, Prague, Vancouver)	74°	Circumpolar (24h)
40°N (≈ Madrid, New York, Beijing)	64°	Circumpolar (24h)
30°N (≈ Cairo, Houston, Delhi)	54°	Circumpolar (24h)
20°N (≈ Honolulu, Mexico City, Mumbai)	44°	19h 40m
10°N (≈ Chennai, Bangalore, Bangkok)	34°	15h 19m
0° (≈ Quito, Nairobi, Singapore)	24°	12h 11m
20°S (≈ Rio de Janeiro, Antananarivo, Alice Springs)	4°	5h 1m
35°S (≈ Sydney, Cape Town, Buenos Aires)	Below horizon	Never rises
45°S (≈ Christchurch, Hobart, Puerto Montt)	Below horizon	Never rises

Altitudes and durations are geometric, computed for each latitude, independent of date. Set your location below for tonight's exact rise, transit, and set times.