Zeta Circini (ζ Circini) is the Bayer designation for a star located in the southern constellation Circinus. It is catalogued in several astronomical databases with the following principal identifiers:
- HD 131058
- HIP 73094
- HR 5531
- SAO 244398
Basic Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Apparent visual magnitude (V) | 5.24 ± 0.01 |
| Spectral type | B5 V (main‑sequence B‑type star) |
| Parallax (Hipparcos) | 10.57 ± 0.45 mas |
| Estimated distance | ~310 light‑years (95 parsecs) |
| Radial velocity | +13 km s⁻¹ (receding) |
| Effective temperature | ≈15,500 K |
| Luminosity | ≈400 L☉ |
| Radius | ≈3.3 R☉ |
| Mass | ≈5.5 M☉ |
Positional Data
- Right Ascension (J2000): 14h 56m 06.4s
- Declination (J2000): –65° 16′ 06″
The star lies near the eastern edge of Circinus and is visible to the naked eye under dark‑sky conditions, appearing as a faint, bluish point of light.
Observational Notes
- Zeta Circini is a single star; no confirmed stellar companions have been reported in high‑resolution surveys.
- Its B‑type spectrum exhibits the characteristic hydrogen Balmer lines and neutral helium absorption typical of early‑type main‑sequence stars.
- The star’s relatively rapid rotation (projected rotational velocity ≈150 km s⁻¹) broadens its spectral lines, a common feature among B‑type dwarfs.
Catalog References
- Hipparcos Catalogue (ESA 1997) – provides astrometric parameters and visual magnitude.
- Henry Draper Catalogue (Cannon & Pickering 1918‑1924) – assigns the HD 131058 designation and spectral classification.
- Bright Star Catalogue (Hoffleit & Jaschek 1991) – lists HR 5531 with physical parameters.
All data referenced are drawn from peer‑reviewed astronomical catalogs and databases (e.g., SIMBAD, VizieR).
