The leading star alpha Her, called Ras Algethi (arab.: kneeler's head), is a red supergiant (spectraltype M5Ib-II). Its brightness varies erratically from 3.1 mag to 3.9 mag. A small telescope reveals a second star of 5.
Ras Algethi Alpha Herculis
Ras Alhague Alpha Ophiuchi
Ras Elased Australis Epsilon Leonis
Rasalas Mu Leonis
Rastaban Beta Draconis
Ras Thaoum Alpha Geminorum
Regor Gamma Velorum
Regulus Alpha Leonis
Rigel Beta Orionis
Rigil Kentaurus Alpha Centauri ...
Rasalgethi (alternatively Ras Algethi or Rasalegti) derives from the Arabic name for the star Al Ras al Jathiyy, "The Kneeler's Head". The name reflects the way that the constellation of Hercules is usually seen as a kneeling man.
The brightest of its rather dim stars is Ras Algethi (alpha Her), a variable red supergiant. The four stars of the central trapezoid within Hercules, epsilon Her, zeta Her, eta Her, and pi Her, form the called Keystone.
This is a rather close star, at 54 light years away, and a celestial neighbour of Ras Algethi (alpha Herculis), which lies to the WNW five degrees. Ophiuchus has a half-dozen or so visual doubles, and even more star clusters.
Named stars: Alpha Her (Ras Algethi), Lambda Her (Maasym)
Info:
Horologium (Clock) ...
Next post: The Colors Of Summer - Albireo and Ras Algethi By Dietmar Hager
Sponsors
+1 ...
The hero's right leg contains two bright stars of the third magnitude: α Her (Ras Algethi) and δ Her (Sarin). The latter is the right knee.
 See also: Star, Constellation, Hercules, Aries, Sky
|
