Rastaban — Star in Draco
HIP 85670; Beta Draconis; 23 Draconis
About Rastaban
Description
Rastaban is a yellow supergiant of spectral type G2Ib-IIa at magnitude 2.79 in Draco. Located about 380 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 950 times solar. Rastaban marks one of the Dragon's eyes, forming part of the quadrilateral that defines Draco's head.
Observing Tips
Rastaban is one of the four stars forming the head of Draco, a small quadrilateral between Hercules and the Little Dipper. It pairs with Eltanin (Gamma Dra) as the brighter two stars of the head. The head is circumpolar and visible year-round from northern latitudes. Best placed in summer evenings.
History
The name Rastaban comes from the Arabic 'ra's al-thu'ban,' meaning 'the head of the serpent.' The Dragon's head asterism has been recognized since ancient times and is one of the most distinctive small star groups in the circumpolar sky.
Fun Facts
The Dragon's head — Eltanin, Rastaban, Xi Dra, and Nu Dra — is a compact lozenge of stars that is one of the most recognizable circumpolar asterisms, visible on any clear night from northern latitudes.
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
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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
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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