Beta Virginis
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| Observation data Epoch J2000 |
|
|---|---|
| Constellation (pronunciation) |
Virgo |
| Right ascension | 11h 50m 41.7185s |
| Declination | +1° 45′ 52.985″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 3.61 |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | F9 V |
| U-B color index | 0.11 |
| B-V color index | 0.55 |
| Variable type | none |
| Astrometry | |
| Radial velocity (Rv) | 4.6 km/s |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: 740.96 mas/yr Dec.: -271.18 mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 91.74 ± 0.77 mas |
| Distance | 35.6 ± 0.3 ly (10.9 ± 0.09 pc) |
| Absolute magnitude (MV) | 3.40 |
| Details | |
| Mass | 1.25[1] M☉ |
| Radius | 1.66[1] R☉ |
| Surface gravity (log g) | 4.25[2] |
| Luminosity | 3.51[1] L☉ |
| Temperature | 6,140[1] K |
| Metallicity | [Fe/H] = 0.20[2] |
| Rotation | 4.3 km/s[1] |
| Age | 3 × 109[2] years |
| Other designations | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
| ARICNS | data |
Beta Virginis (β Vir / β Virginis) is a star in the constellation Virgo. It also has the traditional names Zavijava (also Zavijah) and Alaraph[3]. Despite being the beta star of the constellation Virgo it is only the fifth star in order of brightness.
Physically, Beta Virginis is larger and more massive than the Sun, and is comparatively metal-rich. That is, it has a higher preponderance of elements heavier than helium.[2]
Since it is close to the ecliptic, it can be occulted by the Moon and (very rarely) by planets. The next planetary occultation of Zavijava will take place on 11 August 2069 by Venus.
This was the star Einstein used during the solar eclipse of September 21, 1922 to determine the speed of light in space, as it fell close to the Sun.
[edit] Etymology
The medieval name Zavijava (Zavijah, Zavyava, Zawijah) is from the Arabic زاوية العوى zāwiyat al-cawwa’ "Corner of the barking (dog)". Another name was Alaraph.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Carrier, F.; Eggenberger, P.; D'Alessandro, A.; Weber, L. (2005). "Solar-like oscillations in the F9 V β Virginis". New Astronomy 10 (4): 315–323.
- ^ a b c d Gehren, T. (1978). "On the chemical composition and age of Beta VIR". Astronomy and Astrophysics 65 (3): 427–433.
- ^ Atlas of the Heavens, part II, catalogue, Antonín Bečvář
[edit] External links
- Kaler, Jim (2007). Zavijava. Stars: Portraits of Stars and their Constellations. Retrieved on 2007-06-06.
- Zavijah. Alcyone. Retrieved on 2007-06-06.
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