Mira

Mira and Much of Cetus

Mira means "wonderful."   Mira is one of the few variable stars that is visible at its peak and too faint to be seen at its minimum.   It was the first, non-nova variable star to be discovered.  It so happens that Mira is near its maximum now.  It is indicated at the end of the arrow.  If you zoom in, you can make out its reddish colour.   Mira is now around 3rd magnitude about as bright as the rest of the stars in the constellation Cetus.   Its maximum lasts a few weeks and then Mira will drop below tenth magnitude, fainter than the faintest smudge in the image.

It reaches its highest point in the sky around 2am, so it is understandable if you miss it this time around.  It will be bright again in 11 months and will reach its high point around 4am -- maybe a bit more convenient.