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 Ofiuco 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 — Estrella en Ofiuco

Magnitud 3.2^m Star Ofiuco (Oph) Visible

Mapa Estelar + Lista + Plan

Acerca de Kappa Oph

Descripción

Kappa Ophiuchi is an gigante naranja of tipo espectral K2III at magnitude 3.20 en Ofiuco. Located a unos 86 años luz de la Tierra, it has a temperatura superficial of about 4,500 K and a luminosity roughly 56 veces la solar. It is a fairly typical evolved giant star in the large constellation of the Serpent Bearer.

Consejos de Observación

Kappa Oph lies in the southern part of Ophiuchus, between the brighter Rasalhague and the rich star fields near the Vía Láctea. It appears as a warm orange star. Mejor observación from June through September. Ophiuchus is a large constellation that sprawls across a wide área of the verano sky.

Historia

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 — el Sol passes through it for about 18 days each year.

Datos Curiosos

At only 86 años luz, Kappa Oph is one of the closer gigante naranja stars to el Sol. The ecliptic passes through Ophiuchus, making it possible for planets to occasionally appear near Kappa Oph — el Sol itself is en Ofiuco from about November 30 to December 18 each year.