Delta Muscae
An orange giant spectroscopic binary in Musca.
Delta Muscae, Latinized from δ Muscae, is a spectroscopic binary star system in the southern constellation of Musca. The primary component is an orange giant star, and the system is one of the stars assigned a Bayer designation by Johann Bayer in his 1603 publication Uranometria. It is among the main stars used in the visual formation of the constellation.
Quick Facts
- Bayer designation
- δ Muscae
- Distance
- 27.8 parsecs (91.0 light years)
- Apparent magnitude
- 3.61(v)
- Spectral type
- K2III
- Parallax
- 35.91 milliarcseconds
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The primary star has a spectral type of K2III, indicating it is a K-class star cooler than the Sun and a giant that has left the main sequence.
- The star's orange tint comes from its K2 classification.
Distance and visibility
Delta Muscae has a measured parallax of 35.91 milliarcseconds, placing it at a distance of 27.8 parsecs, or 91.0 light years, from the Sun. It is the closest star in Musca to Earth apart from the white dwarf Gliese 440, though nearly 3800 stars are closer overall. The system shines at third magnitude (3.61v) and is visible to the naked eye away from heavy light pollution.
More in Bright Stars by Bayer Designation: Binary and Multiple Stars
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