About Subra
Description
Subra, 14 Leonis (also Omicron Leonis), is a binary system about 130 light-years away. The primary is a chemically peculiar A-type subgiant, and the companion is an F-type dwarf in a tight orbit. The close pair shines at combined magnitude 3.52 and is too tight for visual splitting. Subra is a member of the southern foreleg of Leo.
Observing Tips
Subra marks the leading foreleg of the Lion, west of Regulus. It is an easy naked-eye star and a clean blue-white point in binoculars. The spectroscopic binary nature cannot be separated visually. Best observed January through May.
History
The name Subra comes from the Arabic "al-subrah," meaning "the backward claw" — an old astronomical label for the foreleg of the great celestial lion. The IAU adopted the name in 2017.
Fun Facts
Subra's chemically peculiar primary hosts elevated abundances of strontium, chromium, and europium in its atmosphere — typical of the Am (metallic-line) class of A-type stars. These abundance anomalies arise from slow atmospheric diffusion in stars that rotate slowly enough for chemical separation to proceed.
Observe
1Physical Properties
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | 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
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
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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