32 Cygni

32 Cygni is a binary star system located in the constellation Cygnus. It is a member of the Zeta Aurigae class of eclipsing binaries, which are characterized by a smaller, hot star (a B-type main sequence star in this case) orbiting a larger, cooler supergiant star (a K-type supergiant).

The primary star, the K-type supergiant, is significantly larger and more luminous than our Sun. As the B-type star orbits, it passes in front of the supergiant during its orbit, causing a partial eclipse that dims the system's overall brightness. These eclipses are relatively long, lasting for several weeks, due to the immense size of the supergiant.

The orbital period of 32 Cygni is approximately 1148 days (around 3.14 years). The system's distance from Earth is estimated to be around 1,100 light-years.

Study of 32 Cygni and other Zeta Aurigae systems is valuable for understanding the properties of supergiant stars and the interaction between stars in close binary systems, particularly the impact of the hot star's radiation on the supergiant's extended atmosphere. Spectroscopic analysis during and around the eclipse phases allows astronomers to probe the density and composition of the supergiant's outer layers.