Key Information
R Sculptoris
| Type | Star System (binary) |
| Star Types | C6,5ea(Np) – Carbon Star (A), unknown (B) |
| Diameter | 119,838,879 miles (A), unknown (B) |
| Mass | 1.3 M☉ (A), unknown (B) |
| Temperature | 5,500 °F (A), unknown (B) |
| Distance | 1,440 light years |
| Date of Discovery | Unknown |
| Other Names | HD 8879, HIP 6759, HR 423 |
Learning Point
- R Scupltoris is a giant red star, sometimes described as a carbon star, which is at the end of its life as a fusing (producing energy) star. It currently is shedding large parts of its upper layers, creating an interesting spiral pattern, which has helped astronomers identify that there must be an unseen companion orbiting it.
Project
- Draw a picture of R Sculptoris.
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Location
| Located in | Sculptor constellation, within the Milky Way |
Fun Facts
- The star pulsates in a cycle that lasts just over a year.
- The shell of dust and gas was created about 2,000 years ago, according to some calcuations.
- The spiral shape of the dust and gas indicates a companion, probably a star, that is moving through the cloud creating the pattern.
- It has been seen to have a bright spot, which is probably where there is little dust interfering with our seeing the surface.
Past Lessons
| 186 | July 23, 2024 | (North America) |