M Centauri (M Cen) is a binary star in the constellation Centaurus. It is approximately 260 light years from Earth.
Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 | |
---|---|
Constellation | Centaurus |
Right ascension | 13h 46m 39.378s[1] |
Declination | −51° 25′ 57.95″[1] |
Apparent magnitude (V) | +4.64 |
Characteristics | |
Spectral type | G8-K0III |
U−B color index | +0.72 |
B−V color index | +0.96 |
Variable type | none |
Astrometry | |
Radial velocity (Rv) | −6 km/s |
Proper motion (μ) | RA: 10.00 ± 0.42[1] mas/yr Dec.: -27.62 ± 0.34[1] mas/yr |
Parallax (π) | 12.42 ± 0.48 mas[1] |
Distance | 260 ± 10 ly (81 ± 3 pc) |
Absolute magnitude (MV) | +0.16 |
Orbit[2] | |
Primary | M Centauri A |
Companion | M Centauri B |
Period (P) | 437 days |
Semi-major axis (a) | 6.45 mas |
Eccentricity (e) | 0.13 |
Inclination (i) | 48.2° |
Longitude of the node (Ω) | 280.3° |
Periastron epoch (T) | 2424163.0 |
Argument of periastron (ω) (secondary) | 58.6° |
Other designations | |
Database references | |
SIMBAD | data |
M Centauri is a yellow G-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +4.64. It is a spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of 437 days.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e van Leeuwen, F. (2007). "Validation of the new Hipparcos reduction". Astronomy and Astrophysics. 474 (2): 653–664. arXiv:0708.1752. Bibcode:2007A&A...474..653V. doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20078357. S2CID 18759600. Vizier catalog entry
- ^ Jancart, S. (2005). "Astrometric orbits of SB9 stars". Astronomy and Astrophysics. 442 (1): 365–380. arXiv:astro-ph/0507695. Bibcode:2005A&A...442..365J. doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20053003. S2CID 15123997.