Beta Lupi

Did You Know?

• In Chinese, the asterism Imperial Guards consists of β Lupi, γ Lupi, δ Lupi, κ Centauri, λ Lupi, ε Lupi, μ Lup, π Lupi, ο Lupi and α Lupi.
• The Chinese name for β Lupi itself is derived from the asterism Imperial Guards.
• From the French rendering of this Chinese name derives the traditional European name Ke Kwan or Kekouan.

Properties

Beta Lupi is a giant star with a B2 III classification. Its outer envelope reaches an effective temperature of 24,090 K, which gives it the blue-white glow typical of B-type stars. At roughly 25 million years old, it is nearing the end of its hydrogen-fusing phase, where it converts hydrogen into helium, and is transitioning into a red supergiant. With a mass of about 8.8 times that of the Sun, it may be massive enough to eventually explode as a Type II supernova, though it could also end as a white dwarf. This star is a multi-period Beta Cephei variable, with a main oscillation period of 0.232 days. It belongs to the Upper Centaurus–Lupus subgroup within the Scorpius–Centaurus OB association, the nearest large group of massive stars moving together near the Sun. Beta Lupi moves across the sky at a high proper motion of over 50 milliarcseconds per year, indicating a notable sideways velocity. It lies roughly 1.3 degrees south-southwest of the supernova remnant SN 1006.