Kappa Librae

Kappa Librae
Observation data
Epoch J2000.0      Equinox J2000.0 (ICRS)
Constellation Libra
Right ascension 15h 41m 56.79858s
Declination −19° 40 43.7745
Apparent magnitude (V) 4.72
Characteristics
Spectral type K5 III
U−B color index +1.94
B−V color index +1.58
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv)−4.5±1.5 km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: −32.06 mas/yr
Dec.: −103.15 mas/yr
Parallax (π)10.57±1.40 mas
Distanceapprox. 310 ly
(approx. 90 pc)
Absolute magnitude (MV)−0.62
Details
Mass1.6 M
Radius38 R
Luminosity388 L
Surface gravity (log g)1.35 cgs
Temperature3,875 K
Metallicity [Fe/H]−0.39 dex
Other designations
κ Lib, 43 Lib, BD−19°4188, FK5 1413, HD 139997, HIP 76880, HR 5838, SAO 159442
Database references
SIMBADdata

Kappa Librae is a star system in the zodiac constellation of Libra. Its name is a Bayer designation that is Latinized from κ Librae, and abbreviated Kappa Lib or κ Lib. Its apparent visual magnitude is 4.72, so it can be seen with the naked eye. The annual parallax shift of 10.57 mas indicates it is roughly 310 light years away. It is positioned 0.02 degrees south of the ecliptic.

The star shows acceleration components in its proper motion, indicating with high probability that it is an astrometric binary. The visible component is an evolved K-type giant star with a stellar classification of K5 III. It is a suspected variable star with a brightness that ranges between 4.70 and 4.75. Kappa Librae is 38 times larger than the Sun, and is radating 388 times the solar luminosity from its outer atmosphere at an effective temperature of 3,875 K.

In Chinese astronomy, Kappa Librae is called 日, Pinyin: Rì, meaning Sun, because this star is marking itself and stand alone in Sun asterism, Room mansion (see : Chinese constellation).