U Camelopardalis

Binoculars • Carbon Stars U Camelopardalis finder map.

Finder map for U Camelopardalis

No known ancient or mythological significance. It is highly regarded within modern amateur and professional astronomy as a premier example of a carbon star and a key object for understanding late-stage stellar evolution. Best observed from mid to high northern latitudes where it is circumpolar or reaches high altitude. Tracking its subtle, semi-regular brightness variations over several months. Its deep red color can make accurate magnitude estimates difficult due to the Purkinje effect.

Finder scope & binocular view of U Camelopardalis

Property	Value
Common names	-
Catalog names	-
Type	Evolved Star
Subtype	Carbon Star
Coordinates	3h 41m 48.18s, +62° 38’ 54.40”
Season	October - December
Best month	Mid-November
Beginner friendly	No
Visual reward	Moderate
Filters required	None
LP tolerance	Low
Minimum equipment	Binoculars
Optimal equipment	Small telescope
Magnitude	11.0
Size	-
Constellation	Camelopardalis

Observation Notes

Naked Eye

Not visible to the naked eye.

Binoculars

Visible in 10×50 binoculars as a faint star with a noticeable reddish tint, most apparent when the star is near maximum brightness.

Small Telescope

Easily visible as a stellar point. Its deep red coloration is the most rewarding visual feature.

Medium Telescope

Enhances the saturation of the red color and is suitable for making visual magnitude estimates using established comparison charts.

Large Telescope

Reveals no additional visual detail beyond smaller instruments. Although U Camelopardalis is known to possess a detached circumstellar shell, this structure is far too faint to be detected visually or photographically with amateur equipment.

Observing U Camelopardalis from your latitude

From mid-northern latitudes (~40°N), U Camelopardalis reaches a maximum altitude of about 67° above the northern horizon and is circumpolar — it never sets, staying above the horizon all night, best placed November - January.

Your latitude	Max altitude	Hours above horizon
60°N (≈ Oslo, Helsinki, Anchorage)	87°	Circumpolar (24h)
50°N (≈ London, Prague, Vancouver)	77°	Circumpolar (24h)
40°N (≈ Madrid, New York, Beijing)	67°	Circumpolar (24h)
30°N (≈ Cairo, Houston, Delhi)	57°	Circumpolar (24h)
20°N (≈ Honolulu, Mexico City, Mumbai)	47°	18h 13m
10°N (≈ Chennai, Bangalore, Bangkok)	37°	14h 50m
0° (≈ Quito, Nairobi, Singapore)	27°	12h 10m
20°S (≈ Rio de Janeiro, Antananarivo, Alice Springs)	7°	6h 17m
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.