Sunday, November 28, 2010

Deneb, one of the most luminous stars, in a colorful neighborhood

Deneb, one of the most luminous stars, in a colorful neighborhood
Click on the image to enlarge

Deneb is the brightest star in the Cygnus constellation and one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with apparent magnitude 1.25.
Deneb's absolute magnitude is −8.73, placing it among the most luminous stars known. Deneb's exact distance from the Earth is a matter of some dispute; figures from 1600 to 3200 light years appear on various online sources. Estimates for Deneb's luminosity range from about 60,000 to 250,000 times the Sun's brightness. If placed at the same distance of Sirius from us, Deneb would be brighter than the full moon.
Credit: Davide De Martin
http://www.skyfactory.org/

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