Iklil — Star in Scorpius
HIP 78104; Rho Scorpii; 5 Scorpii
About Iklil
Description
Iklil, Rho Scorpii, is a B-type subgiant of spectral class B2 IV/V about 472 light-years away in the forehead region of Scorpius. It shines at magnitude 3.88. Iklil is a Beta Cephei variable with very small pulsational amplitude and a period near 6.4 hours. It is also part of the Upper Scorpius stellar association of young massive stars.
Observing Tips
Iklil sits at the top of Scorpius's head, near Graffias (Beta Sco) and the bright Antares. The surrounding Upper Sco region is rich with young blue stars forming a recognizable bright pattern. Best observed May through September.
History
The name Iklil comes from the Arabic "al-iklīl," meaning "the crown" or "circlet" — referring to the curved head of Scorpius. The IAU adopted the name in 2017.
Fun Facts
Iklil is one of the young member stars of the Upper Scorpius OB association, aged about 10-12 million years — one of the best-studied nearby regions of recent massive-star formation. Its Beta Cephei pulsations provide direct probes of internal stellar structure via asteroseismology.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Medium+ | 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
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5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
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Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
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Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
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Stellar Lifecycle
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Blackbody Spectrum
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Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
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Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
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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.
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