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Anser

Alpha Vulpeculae, 6 Vulpeculae

Proper NameAnser
Bayer DesignationAlpha Vulpeculae
Flamsteed Number6 Vulpeculae
HR (BSC)7405
HD183439
ConstellationVulpecula
Right Ascension19h 28m 42s
Declination+24° 39' 54"
Distance297 light years
91 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +4.4
Absolute: -0.4
Spectral ClassM0.5IIIb red giant
Optimum VisibilityJuly / August

'Anser' is the Latin word for 'goose', and this star (named by Hevelius in 1690) represents a goose being carried by Vulpecula, the Fox. In fact, it is a red giant nearly three hundred light years away, almost exactly halfway between Altair and Vega in the summer sky.

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