Kornephoros — Star in Hercules
HIP 80816; Beta Herculis; 27 Herculis
About Kornephoros
Description
Kornephoros is a yellow giant of spectral type G7IIIa at magnitude 2.77, the brightest star in Hercules. Located about 139 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 175 times solar. Despite carrying the Beta designation, it is brighter than Alpha Herculis (Rasalgethi).
Observing Tips
Kornephoros is the brightest star in the large constellation Hercules, sitting at the top of the figure when Hercules is depicted upside-down (as seen from Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes). It is northeast of the famous Keystone asterism. Best observed May through September.
History
The name Kornephoros comes from the Greek 'korunephoros,' meaning 'the club-bearer,' one of the many titles for the mythological hero Hercules. Despite being the brightest star in such a prominent constellation, it is relatively faint compared to stars in neighboring constellations.
Fun Facts
Hercules is one of the largest constellations in the sky but has no star brighter than magnitude 2.8, making it one of the dimmest of the ancient Greek constellations. This explains why finding the Keystone asterism and M13 can be challenging for beginners.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 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
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
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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.
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