| Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000 |
|
|---|---|
| Constellation | Vela |
| Right ascension | 09h 22m 06.8s |
| Declination | -55° 00′ 39″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 2.47 |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | B2 IV-V |
| U−B color index | -0.75 |
| B−V color index | -0.18 |
| Astrometry | |
| Radial velocity (Rv) | 22 km/s |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: -10.72 mas/yr Dec.: 11.24 mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 6.05 ± 0.48 mas |
| Distance | 540 ± 40 ly (170 ± 10 pc) |
| Absolute magnitude (MV) | -3.62 |
| Other designations | |
Kappa Velorum (κ Vel, κ Velorum) is a binary star in the constellation Vela. It also has the traditional name Markab, often spelled Markeb to distinguish it from similarly named stars such as Alpha Pegasi.
Kappa Velorum is spectroscopic binary which is classified as a blue-white B-type subgiant with an apparent magnitude of +2.47. It is approximately 539 light years from Earth. The two components complete one orbit every 116.65 days.
The star is only a couple of degrees from the south celestial pole of Mars, so it could therefore be considered the southern polar star of Mars. Due to precession of the equinoxes, it will be the closest bright star of note to the south celestial pole of Earth in the period surrounding 9000 AD.
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