Delta Lupi — Star in Lupus
About Delta Lup
Description
Delta Lupi is a hot blue subgiant of spectral type B1.5IV at magnitude 3.22 in Lupus (the Wolf). With a surface temperature of about 24,000 K, it is a luminous star located in the rich southern Milky Way region. It is a Beta Cephei variable, pulsating with a very small amplitude over a period of a few hours.
Observing Tips
Delta Lup lies in the northern part of Lupus, near the border with Libra and Scorpius. It appears as a blue-white star in a rich area of the Milky Way. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes. Best observed from May through July when Lupus is well-placed in the evening sky.
History
Delta Lupi has no traditional proper name. Lupus is one of the ancient constellations known to the Babylonians and Greeks, though it was originally depicted as a wild animal impaled on the Centaur's lance rather than specifically a wolf. The name Lupus (wolf) became standard in medieval European astronomy.
Fun Facts
As a Beta Cephei variable, Delta Lup pulsates rapidly due to an iron opacity mechanism deep in its interior. These pulsations are too small to detect visually but are readily measured with photometric instruments, providing insights into the star's internal structure.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Medium+ |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
Loading survey image…
Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
Explore Nightbase
Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
