· · · ·

Mira

Mira Ceti, Omicron Ceti, 68 Ceti

Proper NamesMira, Mira Ceti
Bayer DesignationOmicron Ceti
Flamsteed Number68 Ceti
HR (BSC)681
HD14386
ConstellationCetus
Right Ascension2h 19m 21s
Declination-2° 58' 40"
Distance299 light years
92 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +2.0 to +10.1 (highly variable, typically +3.5 to +4.9)
Absolute: -2.8 to 5.3 (typically -1.3 to +0.1)
Spectral ClassM5.5III Red Giant
Optimum VisibilityNovember
NotesThe prototype for the class of variable stars known as Mira variables, regular pulsations in this red giant cause its brightness to shift over time by an extreme degree. The giant has a binary companion, an orange dwarf orbiting the red giant and drawing a stream of matter away from it.

Indexes

Related Entries