Tau² Capricorni

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For other star systems with this Bayer designation, see Tau Capricorni.
τ2 Capricorni A/B
Observation data
Epoch J2000.0
Constellation
(pronunciation)
Capricornus
Right ascension 20h39m16.4s
Declination −14°57′17″
Apparent magnitude (V) +5.8/+6.3
Distance 1750 ± 1000 ly
(540 ± 310 pc)
Spectral type B6III/B6IV
Other designations
14 Capricorni, HR 7889, HD 196662, BD−15°5743, HIP 101923, SAO 163771, GC 28748, ADS 14099, CCDM J20392-1457

Tau2 Capricorni2 Cap / τ2 Capricorni) is a triple star system in the constellation Capricornus. It is approximately 1750 light years from Earth. The system has a combined apparent magnitude of +5.24. Because it is near the ecliptic, τ2 Capricorni can be occulted by the Moon, and also (rarely) by planets.

The primary component, τ2 Capricorni A, is a blue-white B-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +5.8. At a distance of only 0.34 arcseconds is the second component, τ2 Capricorni B, a blue-white B-type subgiant with an apparent magnitude of +6.3. These two stars orbit around their common centre of mass once every 200 years. A third component with an apparent magnitude of +9.3, detected by studying the star during occultation, is located 0.052 arcseconds away from the A component.