CW Leonis
| Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Leo |
| Right ascension | 09h 47m 57.406s |
| Declination | +13° 16′ 43.56″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 14.5 (var.) |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | C9,5e |
| Apparent magnitude (R) | 10.96 |
| Apparent magnitude (J) | 7.34 |
| Apparent magnitude (H) | 4.04 |
| Apparent magnitude (K) | 1.19 |
| Variable type | Mira |
| Astrometry | |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: 35±1 mas/yr Dec.: 12±1 mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 10.56±2.02 mas |
| Distance | approx. 310 ly (approx. 90 pc) |
| Details | |
| Mass | 0.7 - 0.9 M☉ |
| Radius | 560 R☉ |
| Luminosity | 8,500 (average), 11,850 (maximum) L☉ |
| Temperature | 2,300 (1,915 - 2,105) K |
| Other designations | |
| CW Leo, Peanut Nebula, IRC+10216, IRAS 09452+1330, PK 221+45 1, Zel 0945+135, RAFGL 1381, 2MASS J09475740+1316435, SCM 50 | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
CW Leonis or IRC +10216 is a variable carbon star that is embedded in a thick dust envelope. It was first discovered in 1969 by a group of astronomers led by Eric Becklin, based upon infrared observations made with the 62-inch Caltech Infrared Telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory. Its energy is emitted mostly at infrared wavelengths. At a wavelength of 5 μm, it was found to have the highest flux of any object outside the Solar System.