Lambda Draconis

Lambda Draconis (λ Dra, λ Draconis) is a star in the constellation Draco. It has the traditional names Gianfar, Giansar, Juza, Giausar or Giauzar.

In Chinese, 紫微右垣 (Zǐ Wēi Yòu Yuán), meaning Right Wall of Purple Forbidden Enclosure, refers to an asterism consisting of λ Draconis, α Draconis, κ Draconis, 24 Ursae Majoris, 43 Camelopardalis, α Camelopardalis and BK Camelopardalis.[1] Consequently, λ Draconis itself is known as 紫微右垣三 (Zǐ Wēi Yòu Yuán sān, English: the Third Star of Right Wall of Purple Forbidden Enclosure.) [2], representing 上輔 (Shǎngfǔ), meaning First Minister[3]. 上輔 (Shǎngfǔ) is westernized into Sang Poo or Shaou Poo by R.H. Allen. [4]

Structure

Lambda Draconis belongs to spectral class M0 and has apparent magnitude +4.1. It is approximately 334 light years from Earth.

Coordinates (J2000):

Namesakes

USS Giansar (AK-111) was a United States Navy Crater class cargo ship named after the star.

References

  1. ^ (Chinese) 中國星座神話, written by 陳久金. Published by 台灣書房出版有限公司, 2005, ISBN 978-986-7332-25-7.
  2. ^ (Chinese) 香港太空館 - 研究資源 - 亮星中英對照表, Hong Kong Space Museum. Accessed on line November 23, 2010.
  3. ^ English-Chinese Glossary of Chinese Star Regions, Asterisms and Star Name, Hong Kong Space Museum. Accessed on line November 23, 2010.
  4. ^ Star Name - R.H. Allen p. 210
Stars of Draco
Bayer
Flamsteed
Nearby