Epsilon Boötis

ε Boötis
Location of ε Boötis (circled)
Observation data
Epoch J2000      Equinox J2000
Constellation Boötes
Right ascension 14h 44m 59.218s
Declination +27° 04 27.2
Apparent magnitude (V) 2.45/4.8
Characteristics
Evolutionary stage red giant branch
Spectral type K0 II-III + A2 V
U−B color index +0.73
B−V color index +0.97
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv)−16.31 km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: −50.818 mas/yr
Dec.: +21.024 mas/yr
Parallax (π)13.8267±0.4896 mas
Distance236 ± 8 ly
(72 ± 3 pc)
Absolute magnitude (MV)−1.61
Details
A
Mass4.6 M
Radius37.61+1.29
−1.38
 R
Luminosity652.5±58.7 L
Surface gravity (log g)2.24 cgs
Temperature4,755±46 K
Metallicity [Fe/H]−0.13 dex
Rotational velocity (v sin i)10.9 km/s
B
Mass2.27 M
Radius2.7 R
Luminosity44.8 L
Surface gravity (log g)3.9 cgs
Temperature9,009 K
Metallicity [Fe/H]−0.20 dex
Rotational velocity (v sin i)123 km/s
Other designations
Izar, Pulcherrima, Mirac, Mirak, Mirach, ε Boo, 36 Boo, BD+27°2417, HIP 72105
A: Izar, HD 129989, HR 5506, SAO 83500
B: HD 129988, HR 5505
Database references
SIMBADEpsilon Boo A
Epsilon Boo B

Epsilon Boötis is a binary star system in the northern constellation of Boötes. Its name is a Bayer designation that is Latinized from ε Boötis, and abbreviated Epsilon Boo or ε Boo. The primary component has the official named Izar, pronounced /ˈzɑːr/ (EYE-zar). The star system can be viewed with the unaided eye at night, but resolving the pair with a small telescope is challenging; an aperture of 76 mm (3.0 in) or greater is required. Based on parallax measurements, it is located at a distance of 236 light-years (72 pc). The system is drifting closer to the Sun with a radial velocity of −16 km/s.