Sections

Catalogues

Show the direction and distance to this object on the Galactic Map.

Proper Names	Unukalhai, Unuk Élhaia
Bayer Designation	Alpha Serpentis
Flamsteed Number	24 Serpentis
HR (BSC)	5854
HD	140573
Constellation	Serpens (Caput)
Right Ascension	15h 44m 16s
Declination	+6° 25' 32"
Distance	74 light years 23 parsecs
Magnitude	Apparent: +2.6 Absolute: +0.9
Spectral Class	K2 Orange Giant
Optimum Visibility	May / June
Notes	An old and relatively cool giant star in the later stages of its existence, Unukalhai has unusually complex chemistry, with indications of cyanogens and carbon in its atmosphere, as well as stellar activity causing frequent starspots on its surface.

This orange giant has an apparent magnitude of +2.6, making it the brightest of the stars in the constellation Serpens, the Serpent. Its name derives from Arabic, meaning 'the Serpent's Neck'.

v2.1g