70 Ophiuchi (p Oph)

70 Ophiuchi (p Oph) is a double star in the constellation Ophiuchus, magnitude 4.2.

A nearby binary of two orange dwarf stars. Its components (magnitudes 4.2 and 6.2; spectral types K0 V (orange) and K4 V (orange)) lie 6.72″ apart at PA 116° (predicted for 2027.0 from its 88.4-year orbit).

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere north of 88°S and never sets north of 88°N.

At its highest it stands 43° up from 50°N, 58° up from 35°N, 88° up from the equator, 53° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Double star

Constellation

Ophiuchus

Designations

p Oph, p Ophiuchi, 70 Oph, STF 2272, HIP 88601

Magnitude

4.2

Position

RA 18h 5.5m, Dec +2° 30′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when 70 Ophiuchi (p Oph) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.