VV Cephei

VV Cephei

Cepheus

4.91
Apparent Mag
5,000
Distance (ly)
M2Ia-Iab
Spectral Type
3,826
Temperature (K)

VV Cephei is one of the largest stars known, a red supergiant in an eclipsing binary system. Its companion is a hot blue star that is eclipsed for about 2 years every 20.3 years.

Stellar Data

Apparent Magnitude4.91
Absolute Magnitude-6.9
Distance5,000 light-years
Spectral TypeM2Ia-Iab
Temperature3,826 K
Luminosity275,000 L☉
Radius1050 R☉
Mass18.2 M☉
Right Ascension21h 56m 39.1s
Declination+63° 37′ 32.0″
ConstellationCepheus

Notable Facts

  • VV Cephei is one of the largest stars known
  • Its eclipse by the blue companion lasts about 2 years
  • The orbital period is about 20.3 years

More Stars in Cepheus

View constellation