| Gamma
Del |
Binary
Star System
aka 12 Del, HR 7947, HD 197963, HIP 102531,
STF2727AB, ADS 14279AB
RA:
20h46m39.5s Dec: +16°07'27" (Delphinus)
Integrated
Visual Magnitude: 3.9+5.3
Distance:
100 +/- 3.8 ly
Minimum
requirements to detect: any telescope under dark skies |
|
 Burnham's
describes this pair as "the most attractive double star in
Delphinus." This pair of bright stars is easily located
at the tip of the nose of the Dolphin. The component stars are
currently separated by a generous 9", making them visible in
even the smallest of telescopes. Yet, like other pretty double
stars they can be appreciated in even the largest of instruments.
The image on the right simulates the view in a 90mm ETX at high
magnification under excellent conditions. The colors reported
for these two stars varies, but to my eye the primary star has a
rich golden hue, while the secondary is touched by just the
slightest bit of green.
The component stars of
Gamma Del form a physical pair that lie 100 light years distant.
Their orbital period is quite long, perhaps more than 3000 years.
As such, we have yet to observe much relative motion to base an
orbit on.
|
Millennium
Star Atlas Vol III Chart 1216
Sky
Atlas 2000 Chart 16
Uranometria
2000 Vol I Chart 209
Herald-Bobroff
Astroatlas B-05 C-21 |
|
|
|
