48 Persei

48 Persei
Observational data
Constellation: Perseus
Right ascension: 4h 8m 39.684s[1]
Declination: +47° 42 45.11[1]
Apparent magnitude: 4.0 [1]
Spectral type/
Luminosity class:
B3Ve

48 Persei (also known as c Persei, 48 Per, HR 1273, HIP 19343, or HD 25940) is a Be star in the constellation Perseus, approximately the 500th brightest of the visible stars in apparent magnitude.[2] It is "well known for its complex spectrum and for its light and velocity variations".[3] The name "48 Persei" is a Flamsteed designation given to it by John Flamsteed in his catalogue, published in 1712.[4]

As a Be star, it is hot and blue, spinning so rapidly that it forms an unstable equatorial disk of matter surrounding it. Its mass has been estimated as seven times that of the Sun, and its estimated age of 40 million years makes it much younger than the Sun. In another few million years it will likely cease hydrogen fusion, expand, and brighten as it becomes a red giant.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre — 48 Persei
  2. 48 Persei (HIP 19343), Ashland Astronomy Studio, retrieved 2012-12-28.
  3. Percy, J. R.; Lane, M. C. (May 1977), "Search for Beta Cephei stars. I - Photometric and spectroscopic studies of northern B-type stars", Astronomical Journal, 82: 353–359, Bibcode:1977AJ.....82..353P, doi:10.1086/112057.
  4. Baily, Francis, ed. (1835), An account of the Revd. John Flamsteed, the first astronomer-royal: compiled from his own manuscripts, and other authentic documents, never before published. To which is added his British catalogue of stars, cor. and enl., Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, p. 425.
  5. Kaler, Jim (2009-01-16), "48 Per (48 Persei)", STARS, University of Illinois, retrieved 2012-12-28.

Additional reading

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