Rasalhague

Alpha Ophiuchi

Ophiuchus

2.07
Apparent Mag
48.6
Distance (ly)
A5III
Spectral Type
8,000
Temperature (K)

Rasalhague is the brightest star in Ophiuchus. It is a rapidly rotating white giant that is significantly oblate.

Stellar Data

Apparent Magnitude2.07
Absolute Magnitude1.3
Distance48.6 light-years
Spectral TypeA5III
Temperature8,000 K
Luminosity25.6 L☉
Radius2.6 R☉
Mass2.4 M☉
Right Ascension17h 34m 56.1s
Declination+12° 33′ 36.1″
ConstellationOphiuchus

Notable Facts

  • Rasalhague rotates rapidly, making it noticeably oblate
  • Its name means head of the serpent collector in Arabic
  • Ophiuchus is sometimes called the thirteenth zodiac constellation

More Stars in Ophiuchus

View constellation