When is the best time to observe Kappa Ophiuchi?

Kappa Ophiuchi is best observed from April through June, with peak visibility during May when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Kappa Ophiuchi located in the sky?

Kappa Ophiuchi lies in the constellation Ophiuchus at right ascension 16h 58m and declination +09° 22′.

What telescope do I need to see Kappa Ophiuchi?

At magnitude 3.2, Kappa Ophiuchi is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Kappa Ophiuchi — Star in Ophiuchus

Magnitude 3.2^m Star Ophiuchus (Oph) Visible

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About Kappa Oph

Description

Kappa Ophiuchi is an orange giant of spectral type K2III at magnitude 3.20 in Ophiuchus. Located about 86 light-years from Earth, it has a surface temperature of about 4,500 K and a luminosity roughly 56 times solar. It is a fairly typical evolved giant star in the large constellation of the Serpent Bearer.

Observing Tips

Kappa Oph lies in the southern part of Ophiuchus, between the brighter Rasalhague and the rich star fields near the Milky Way. It appears as a warm orange star. Best observed from June through September. Ophiuchus is a large constellation that sprawls across a wide area of the summer sky.

History

Kappa Ophiuchi has no traditional proper name. Ophiuchus represents Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, who was so skilled he could raise the dead. Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt at the request of Hades and placed him among the stars. Ophiuchus is notable as the unofficial 13th zodiacal constellation — the Sun passes through it for about 18 days each year.

Fun Facts

At only 86 light-years, Kappa Oph is one of the closer orange giant stars to the Sun. The ecliptic passes through Ophiuchus, making it possible for planets to occasionally appear near Kappa Oph — the Sun itself is in Ophiuchus from about November 30 to December 18 each year.