Gamma Canis Majoris
| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 |
|
|---|---|
| Constellation | Canis Major |
| Right ascension | 07h03m45.5s |
| Declination | −15°38′00″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +4.11 |
| Distance | 402 ± 31 ly (123 ± 10 pc) |
| Spectral type | B8II |
| Other designations | |
Gamma Canis Majoris (γ CMa, γ Canis Majoris) is a star in the constellation Canis Major. It has the traditional name Muliphein[1], not to be confused with Muhlifain, which is Gamma Centauri; both names derive from the same Arabic root, محلفين muħlifayn.
It is unclear exactly why this relatively faint star was given the "gamma" designation, but it is possibly because it is in the same part of the constellation as Sirius (alpha) and Murzim (beta).
γ Canis Majoris is a blue-white B-type bright giant with an apparent magnitude of +4.11. It is approximately 402 light years from Earth. This star has 5.6 times the radius of the Sun and the outer atmosphere has an effective temperature of 13,596 K.[2]
[edit] Modern legacy
Muliphein appears on the flag of Brazil, symbolising the state of Rondônia.[3]
[edit] Muliphen as the name
USS Muliphen (AKA-61) is once of United States navy ship.
[edit] References
- ^ Star Name - R.H.Allen p.130
- ^ Underhill, A. B. et al. (November 1979), "Effective temperatures, angular diameters, distances and linear radii for 160 O and B stars", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 189: 601–605, Bibcode 1979MNRAS.189..601U
- ^ "Astronomy of the Brazilian Flag". FOTW Flags Of The World website. http://www.fotw.net/flags/br_astro.html.
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