description Lacaille 8760 Overview
Lacaille 8760, also designated as AX Microscopii, is a red dwarf star situated approximately 12.9 light-years away from Earth in the southern constellation of Microscopium. It was catalogued by the French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille during his 18th-century expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. Notable for its relatively close proximity to the solar system, it is classified as a flare star and ranks among the brightest red dwarfs observable in the night sky.
help Lacaille 8760 FAQ
What is Lacaille 8760 also called?
Lacaille 8760 is also designated AX Microscopii, or AX Mic. The name Lacaille 8760 comes from the cataloging work of the French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille.
How far away is Lacaille 8760?
The star is about 12.9 light-years from Earth, placing it among the Sun's relatively nearby stellar neighbors. It lies in the southern constellation Microscopium.
Why is Lacaille 8760 important to amateur astronomers?
It is one of the brightest red dwarf stars in Earth's night sky, although it is generally too faint for unaided naked-eye viewing. Its red-dwarf classification makes it a useful nearby example of a low-mass M-type star.
Is Lacaille 8760 a flare star?
Yes, it was recognized as a flare star and received the variable-star designation AX Microscopii. Irish astronomer Patrick Byrne is credited with discovering its flare-star behavior in 1979.
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