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Proper Name	None
Bayer Designation	Eta Serpentis
Flamsteed Number	58 Serpentis
HR (BSC)	6869
HD	168723
Constellation	Serpens (Cauda)
Right Ascension	18h 21m 19s
Declination	-2° 53' 56"
Distance	60 light years 19 parsecs
Magnitude	Apparent: +3.25 Absolute: +1.91
Spectral Class	K0III-IV orange giant
Optimum Visibility	July
Notes	Eta Serpentis was formerly considered to be a carbon star showing slight variability, but more recent investigations have concluded that these classifications were incorrect. The star is now usually listed as a K-type orange star, with no recorded variability.

The brightest star in the area known as Serpens Cauda (the Serpent's Tail); its magnitude is +3.25. Eta Serpentis is an orange (K-type) star of a type intermediate between a giant and a subgiant, lying some sixty light years from Earth.

With a declination of only -3°, this star lies very close to the Celestial Equator, and within the band of the Milky Way.

Eta Serpentis lies in the central regions of Serpens Cauda, the Serpent's Tail.

Toward the central regions of the Milky Way, Eta Serpentis shines with an orange light.

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

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