Antares
Product information
Description
Antares radiates a deep, fiery red glow in the heart of the Scorpius constellation. Its rich hue and isolation from other bright stars give it a dramatic, eye-catching presence in summer skies.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Scorpius
- Spectral Type
- M1.5Iab-b
- Apparent Magnitude
- 0.96
- Distance (Light Years)
- 554
- Right Ascension
- 16h 29m 24.4s
- Declination
- −26° 25′ 55″
- Solar Masses
- 12
- Radius (Solar)
- 680
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 3500
- Age (Million Years)
- 11
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Greeks, Babylonians, Chinese, Polynesians
- Historical Significance
- Antares was revered across many ancient cultures as a celestial sentinel. The Greeks named it 'Anti-Ares' (rival of Mars) for its reddish hue. It served as one of the four 'Royal Stars' in Persian astronomy, marking the seasonal sky.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- In Greek mythology, Antares represents the fiery heart of the Scorpion that killed Orion. In ancient China, it was known as 'Xin,' the heart of the Azure Dragon. Polynesians used it as a timing and navigation star during long sea voyages.
- Navigation
- Antares was historically vital for celestial navigation in the Southern Hemisphere, due to its brightness and seasonal visibility in tropical and subtropical skies.
- Modern Reference
- Antares remains a popular star in stargazing guides and astrophotography. Its prominence and red color make it a favorite target for both amateur and professional astronomers.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Despite its vast distance, Antares shows minor proper motion and has a faint blue-white companion star.
- Additional Fact
- Antares is a massive red supergiant near the end of its life. It is expected to end in a spectacular supernova, enriching space with heavy elements.
User Dedications
- Dedications
- This star has not been claimed yet. Be the first to dedicate it to someone special!