Η_Sagittarii
Eta Sagittarii
Star in the constellation Sagittarius
Eta Sagittarii (Eta Sgr, η Sagittarii, η Sgr) is a binary star system in the southern zodiac constellation of Sagittarius. Based upon parallax measurements, it is located at a distance of 146 light-years (45 parsecs) from Earth.[1] In India, where part of the constellation of Sagittarius represents an Elephant, this star forms the creature's tail.[10]
The primary component, η Sagittarii A, is a red giant star with a stellar classification of M2 III.[3] It is an evolved star that is currently at a stage called the asymptotic giant branch, having exhausted both the hydrogen and the helium at its core.[11] This star is classified as an oxygen-rich irregular variable,[7] as it undergoes small magnitude fluctuations between +3.08 and 3.12.[4] The measured angular diameter of this star is 11.9 ± 2.1 mas.[12] At the estimated distance of Eta Sagittarii,[1] this yields a physical size of about 57 times the radius of the Sun.[8]
The companion, η Sagittarii B, was first noted by American astronomer S. W. Burnham in 1879. The two stars share a common proper motion and hence are probably gravitationally bound to each other.[13] The secondary is likely an F-type main sequence star with an apparent magnitude of +7.77. It located at an angular separation of 3.6 arcseconds from the primary, along a position angle of 108°.[14] This star is at a projected distance of 165 Astronomical Units from the red giant primary and the pair take a minimum of 1,270 years to complete an orbit.[4]
Within the context of the Milky Way galaxy, this system is a member of the faint old disk group.[7] Because of proper motion, this star will move into constellation Corona Australis around 6300 CE.[15] Eta Sagittarii has two optical companions that are not physically associated with the system. The first is a 10th magnitude star at an angular separation of 93 arcseconds with a position angle of 303°. There is a fainter, 13th magnitude star at an angular separation of 33 arcseconds along a position angle of 276°.[13]