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[5351] gamma Lyrae, also known as Sulafat ("tortoise") and Jugum ("yoke"), is a multiple star system lying approximately 635 light-years from Earth. The main component is a B-type bright giant, with luminosity about 2,100 times that of the Sun.
SULAFAT (Gamma Lyrae). An exquisite quintet of fainter stars lies next to brilliant Vega, and with this great luminary make Lyra, the celestial Lyre. Anchoring the harp's southern end are a close pair of stars, Sheliak and Sulafat.
Gamma Lyrae is called Sulafat, from the Arabic meaning ‘the tortoise', after the animal from whose shell Hermes made the lyre.
It is located between beta and gamma Lyrae (slightly closer to beta), and is about 4000 light years distant.
A printed version of this web site ["The Constellations Pocket Guide"] is available, covering all 88 constellations and their graphics.
 See also: Light, Nebula, Sky, Vega, Ring Nebula
  
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