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Unukalhai

Unuk Élhaia, Alpha Serpentis, 24 Serpentis

Proper NamesUnukalhai, Unuk Élhaia
Bayer DesignationAlpha Serpentis
Flamsteed Number24 Serpentis
HR (BSC)5854
HD140573
ConstellationSerpens (Caput)
Right Ascension15h 44m 16s
Declination+6° 25' 32"
Distance74 light years
23 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +2.6
Absolute: +0.9
Spectral ClassK2 Orange Giant
Optimum VisibilityMay / June
NotesAn old and relatively cool giant star in the later stages of its existence, Unukalhai has unusually complex chemistry, with indications of cyanogens and carbon in its atmosphere, as well as stellar activity causing frequent starspots on its surface.

This orange giant has an apparent magnitude of +2.6, making it the brightest of the stars in the constellation Serpens, the Serpent. Its name derives from Arabic, meaning 'the Serpent's Neck'.

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