Tau2 Capricorni
- For other star systems with this Bayer designation, see Tau Capricorni.
Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 | |
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Constellation | Capricornus |
Right ascension | 20h39m16.4s |
Declination | −14°57′17″ |
Apparent magnitude (V) | +5.8/+6.3 |
Distance | 1750 ± 1000 ly (540 ± 310 pc) |
Spectral type | B6III/B6IV |
Other designations | |
Tau2 Capricorni (τ2 Cap, τ2 Capricorni) is a multiple star system in the constellation Capricornus. It is approximately 1750 light years from Earth. The system has a combined apparent magnitude of +5.24. Because it is near the ecliptic, τ2 Capricorni can be occulted by the Moon, and also (rarely) by planets.
The primary component, τ2 Capricorni A, is a blue-white B-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +5.8. At a distance of only 0.34 arcseconds is the second component, τ2 Capricorni B, a blue-white B-type subgiant with an apparent magnitude of +6.3. These two stars orbit around their common centre of mass once every 200 years. A possible third component with an apparent magnitude of +9.3, detected by studying the star during occultation, is located 0.052 arcseconds away from the A component.