Hind's Crimson Star (R Leporis)
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Photo: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF
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A long-period variable in the
constellation Lepus, easily seen in binoculars
when at maximum brightness. It was discovered by John Hind
who described it as "... resembling a blood drop on the background of the
sky."
R Leporis is the reddest reasonably bright star in the sky. Its wide variability
comes about because the star produces enormous amounts of carbon
which, when dredged up through convection, makes its way to the outer layers
of the atmosphere. Carbon particles, or soot, concentrate to create an outer
shell that dramatically dims the star. This dimming gives R Lep its extremely
red appearence. At some point much of the carbon is blown away from the
star and the process begins again.
| visual magnitude |
7.7 average; 6th to 10th range |
| spectral type |
C6IIe |
| period |
about 430 days |
| distance |
about 800 light-years |
| position |
R.A. 04h 59m 36.5s, Dec. -14° 48' 21" |
Related categories
NOTABLE
STARS VARIABLE
STARS
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