Quote:
Originally Posted by circumpolar
When I attended IIS Jan 2007, I was shown a beautiful red star that was considered by the owner of the 20-inch obsession(I think correct size, it was the smaller of the two) to be his favourite. I think it may have been near Columba or Orion (not Betelgeuse or Aldebaran)?. It was not very bright but it was a beautiful deep blood red.
Does anyone know what star I might have been shown?
Does any have a favourite red star they would like to mention?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Skies
I was just about to suggest R Leporis, too. Thats a well known red star near Orion.
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Hi Matt,
It was me that showed you that "red" star that night at IISAC 2007. The scope is in fact an 18"/F4.5 Obsession and Liz and Jacquie are spot on. It was R Leporis, also known as "Hinds Crimson Star". It is only about 5 degrees from Rigel in Orion. Despite some other comments, in my opinion it is most impressive as it dims, not at its brightest. This is a Mira type variable and these stars go redder as they dim and turn more pinkish/orange, as they brighten. Unfortunately, although they are redder as they dim, they are harder to see and hence they often don't show as impressive targets in smaller telescopes, when they are dim.
Cheers,
John B
PS: I will post a list of about 20 or so of my favourite "red" stars for anyone that is interested, tomorrow when I have a bit more time.