Alpha Scuti
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Observation data Equinox J2000.0 |
|
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Constellation | Scutum |
Right ascension | 18h 35m 12.4s |
Declination | -08° 14' 39" |
Apparent magnitude (V) | +3.85 |
Absolute magnitude (V) | +0.21 |
Distance | 174 ± 8 ly (53 ± 2 pc) |
Spectral type | K2III |
Other designations | |
Alpha Scuti (α Sct / α Scuti) is a fourth-magnitude star in the constellation Scutum. It is occasionally called by the traditional Greek name Ionnina or Ioannina (Ιωάννινα), which literally means "Of John", but the name may actually refer to the "Shield Within a Shield" design of Sobieski's Coat of Arms, christened the "Janina" design.
Alpha Scuti is an orange K-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +3.85. Alpha Scuti is a known variable star. It is approximately 174 light years from Earth.
[edit] References
- HD 171443 -- Variable Star. SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Retrieved on January 22, 2007.