R Leporis
| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 (ICRS) |
|
|---|---|
| Constellation | Lepus |
| Right ascension | 04h 59m 36.3487s[1] |
| Declination | −14° 48′ 22.518″[1] |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 5.5 to 11.7[2] |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | C7,6e(N6e)[2] |
| B−V color index | +5.74[3] |
| R−I color index | +1.47[3] |
| Variable type | Mira (long-period)[2] |
| Astrometry | |
| Radial velocity (Rv) | 32.4 ± 2[1] km/s |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: 7.51[1] mas/yr Dec.: −4.27[1] mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 2.42 ± 1.02[1] mas |
| Distance | approx. 1,300 ly (approx. 400 pc) |
| Absolute magnitude (MV) | 2[4] |
| Details | |
| Radius | 500 R☉ |
| Other designations | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
R Leporis (R Lep), sometimes called Hind's Crimson Star,[5] is a well-known variable star in the constellation Lepus, near its border with Eridanus. It is designated "R" in the chart to the right.[1]
It is a carbon star which appears distinctly red. It is named after famous British astronomer J. R. Hind, who observed it in 1845. Its apparent magnitude varies from +5.5 to +11.7 with a period of 418–441 days; recent measurements give a period of 427.07 days. There may be a secondary period of 40 years.[3]
R Leporis has often been reported as an intense smoky red color, although this is not pronounced when the star is near its maximum brightness. It is reddest when it is dimmest, which occurs every 14.5 months. During these periods it is a candidate for the most-visible reddest star, but this claim is questionable. The red coloration may be caused by carbon in the star's outer atmosphere filtering out the blue part of its visible light spectrum. The star's discoverer, Hind, reported that it appeared "like a drop of blood on a black field."[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 V* R Lep -- Variable Star of Mira Cet type, database entry, SIMBAD. Accessed on line November 19, 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 R Lep, database entry, The combined table of GCVS Vols I-III and NL 67-78 with improved coordinates, General Catalogue of Variable Stars, Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Moscow, Russia. Accessed on line November 19, 2009.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 HR 1607, database entry, The Bright Star Catalogue, 5th Revised Ed. (Preliminary Version), D. Hoffleit and W. H. Warren, Jr., CDS ID V/50. Accessed on line November 19, 2009.
- ↑ From apparent magnitude and parallax.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 p. 269, Star-names and their meanings, Richard Hinckley Allen, New York: G. E. Stechert, 1899.
