Difference between revisions of "Beta Hydri"

Revision as of 20:54, 31 December 2009

Beta Hydri is the closest single subgiant (as opposed to a subgiant with an orbiting companion star) to Sol.

Data copied from SolStation.com:

Beta Hydri is a yellow-orange main sequence dwarf star of spectral and luminosity type G2 IV. This star may have 1.1 times Sol's mass, 1.46 times its diameter (Johnson and Wright, 1983, page 645), and about 3.53 times its luminosity. It may be from 49 to 100 percent as enriched as Sol with elements heavier than hydrogen ("metallicity"), based on its abundance of iron (Cayrel de Strobel et al, 1991, page 4). According to the Yale Bright Star Catalogue, 1991 5th Revised Edition notes entry for HR 98, however, the star has a lithium/calcium ratio that is 10 times Sol's. Based on updated distance data from the European HIPPARCOS satellite, Dravins et al (1998) presented a paper at a Hipparcos Conference in Venice (pdf) that revises Beta Hydri's age to about 6.7 billion years with an associated mass estimate of 1.1 times that of Sol's mass.

A New Suspected Variable star designated NSV 161, Beta Hydri is also unusually bright for its spectral type. It appears to be a subgiant star that is evolving off the main sequence, as it begins to fuse increasing amounts of helium "ash" mixed with hydrogen at its core. More information about this star can be found at Dainis Dravins' web page on stellar activity and Beta Hydri. Useful star catalogue numbers for the star include: Bet Hyi, HR 98, Gl 19, Hip 2021, HD 2151, CD-77 15, CP(D)-77 16, SAO 255670, FK5 11, LHS 6, LTT 226, LPM 22, and LFT 43.

Known Places around Beta Hydri

• Stellvia-fen colony (destroyed by stellar flares in May 2208) (Fenspace Infinities)