Epsilon Centauri

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ε Centauri
Observation data
Epoch J2000
Constellation
(pronunciation)
Centaurus
Right ascension 13h39m53.2s
Declination −53°27′59″
Apparent magnitude (V) +2.29
Characteristics
Spectral type B1III
U-B color index −0.92
B-V color index −0.22
Variable type Beta Cephei
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv) +3 km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: −14.60 mas/yr
Dec.: −12.79 mas/yr
Parallax (π) 8.68 ± 0.77 mas
Distance 380 ± 30 ly
(120 ± 10 pc)
Absolute magnitude (MV) −3.02
Other designations
Al Birdhaun, HR 5132, CP−52°6655, HD 118716, SAO 241047, FK5 504, HIP 66657, GC 18458, CCDM J13399-5328
Database references
SIMBAD data

Epsilon Centauri (ε Cen / ε Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus.

ε Centauri is a blue-white B-type giant with a mean apparent magnitude of +2.29. It is classified as a Beta Cephei type variable star and its brightness varies from magnitude +2.29 to +2.31 with a period of 4.07 hours. It is sometimes given the proper name of Birdun or Al Birdhaun (البرﺬﻮﻦ), which means "the Packhorse" in Arabic.