Zeta Ophiuchi
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Observation data Equinox J2000 |
|
---|---|
Constellation | Ophiuchus |
Right ascension | 16h 37m 09.5s |
Declination | -10° 34′ 01.4″ |
Apparent magnitude (V) | 2.54 |
Characteristics | |
Spectral type | O9 III |
U-B color index | -0.86 |
B-V color index | 0.02 |
Variable type | Gamma Cass. |
Astrometry | |
Radial velocity (Rv) | -15 km/s |
Proper motion (μ) | RA: 13.07 mas/yr Dec.: 25.44 mas/yr |
Parallax (π) | 7.12 ± 0.71 mas |
Distance | 458 ly (140 pc) |
Absolute magnitude (MV) | -3.20 |
Details | |
Mass | 20 M☉ |
Radius | 8 R☉ |
Luminosity | 68,000 L☉ |
Temperature | 32,500 K |
Metallicity | ? |
Rotation | 380 km/s. |
Age | 4 × 106 years |
Other designations | |
Zeta Ophiuchi (ζ Oph / ζ Ophiuchi) is a star located in the constellation of Ophiuchus. Unlike most of the brighter stars in the sky, ζ Ophiuchi does not have a proper name, although it may have been referred to as Han by the Chinese. Although ζ Ophiuchi is a hot blue giant star it appears reddish due to interstellar dust that absorbs much of blue light. In fact, were it not for this dust, ζ Ophiuchi would shine several times brighter and be among the very brightest visible. ζ Ophiuchi is roughly half way through the initial phase of its stellar evolution and will within the next few million years expand into a supergiant star before ending its life in a spectacular supernova.
[edit] References
- HD 149757 -- Be Star. SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.