Double Star in Leo
Gamma Leonis, or Algieba, is a well known double star in the "sickle" portion of the constellation Leo. The brighter star appears orange or reddish, and the dimmer companion is yellow.
The two stars have a highly elliptical orbit and an orbital period of about 500 years.
| Magnitudes | 2.3, 3.5 |
| Separation | 4.7" |
| Distance (light yrs) | 130 |
| Right Ascension | 10:20.0 |
| Declination | +19 50 |
Image details: 17 images, each 1/20 second at ISO 200, taken with a Canon 400D camera through a Meade 12” telescope at f/6.7.
April 2010