W Cephei

W Cephei

A visual band light curve for W Cephei, adapted from Polyakova (2006)
Observation data
Epoch J2000      Equinox J2000
Constellation Cepheus
Right ascension 22h 36m 27.56307s
Declination +58° 25 33.9554
Apparent magnitude (V) 6.83 - 9.20
Characteristics
Evolutionary stage Red supergiant + non-supergiant B class star
Spectral type K0ep-M2ep Ia + B0/B1
Variable type SRc
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv)−44.64 km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: −3.176 mas/yr
Dec.: −2.277 mas/yr
Distance2,427 pc
Absolute magnitude (MV)−7 + −3.5
Orbit
Period (P)2,075 d
Eccentricity (e)0.149
Inclination (i)90°
Details
Radius666.2+20.7
−11.1
 R
Luminosity292,000 L
Surface gravity (log g)0.18 cgs
Temperature3,681 – 4,400 K
Metallicity0.0205
Other designations
W Cep, BD+57°2568, HD 214369, HIP 111592, GSC 03995-00937, SAO 34614, PPM 40864, GC 31569, UCAC3 297-183471, IRAS 22345+5809, 2MASS J22362757+5825340, AAVSO 2232+57
Database references
SIMBADdata

W Cephei is a spectroscopic binary and variable star located in the constellation Cepheus. It is thought to be a member of the Cep OB1 stellar association at about 8,000 light years. The supergiant primary star is one of the largest known stars and as well as one of the most luminous red supergiants.