Sigma Sagittarii

Sigma Sagittarii
Location of σ Sagittarii (circled)
Observation data
Epoch J2000      Equinox J2000
Constellation Sagittarius
Right ascension 18h 55m 15.92650s
Declination −26° 17 48.2068
Apparent magnitude (V) +2.05
Characteristics
Spectral type B2.5 V
U−B color index −0.761
B−V color index −0.204
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv)−11.2 km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: +15.14 mas/yr
Dec.: −53.43 mas/yr
Parallax (π)14.32±0.29 mas
Distance228 ± 5 ly
(70 ± 1 pc)
Absolute magnitude (MV)−2.17
Details
Aa
Mass6.5±0.2 M
Radius4.1±0.5 R
Temperature18,890 K
Rotational velocity (v sin i)165 km/s
Age31.4±0.4 Myr
Ab
Mass6.3±0.2 M
Radius3.9±0.5 R
Temperature18,600 K
Other designations
Nunki, Sadira, σ Sgr, Sigma Sgr, 34 Sagittarii, CD−26 13595, CPD−27 5241, FK5 706, GC 25941, HD 175191, HIP 92855, HR 7121, SAO 187448, PPM 269078, CCDM J18552-2618A, WDS J18553-2618Aa,Ab
Database references
SIMBADdata

Sigma Sagittarii, Latinized from σ Sagittarii; formally named Nunki /ˈnʌŋki/, is the second-brightest star in the constellation of Sagittarius. It is a binary star system, viewed as a single star of combined apparent magnitude +2.05, about the same brightness as Saiph in Orion. The distance to this system, determined using parallax measurements from the Hipparcos astrometry satellite, is 228 light-years (70 parsecs).

It is 3.45 degrees south of the ecliptic, so it can be occulted by the Moon and rarely by planets. The last occultation by a planet took place on November 17, 1981, when it was occulted by Venus.