December 2

December 2 Leap Leap+1 Leap+2 Leap+3
1950 9 Omega OPH
23Tau SCO 23Tau SCO 23Tau SCO 23Tau SCO
13Zeta OPH 13Zeta OPH 13Zeta OPH
2000 8Phi OPH
9 Omega OPH 9 Omega OPH
23Tau SCO 23Tau SCO 23Tau SCO
13Zeta OPH

In many cases you have a choice of stars for this date. Remember that a brighter star has a smaller magnitude number, if that is your choice.

Name: 8Phi OPH
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: Dec 1
Magnitude: 4.3
Spectrum/Star type: Dark yellow Giant
Distance in Light Years: 210
Diameter compared to Sun: 11
Luminosity compared to Sun: 60
Date best observed: Jul 14
Additional information: A double star, in the leg of Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer

Name: 9 Omega OPH
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: Dec 1
Magnitude: 4.4
Spectrum/Star type: White, with strong metallic lines
Distance in Light Years: 175
Luminosity compared to Sun: ~40
Date best observed: Jul 14
Additional information: It is located in the foot of Ophiuchus, just a degree north of the ecliptic.

Name: 23Tau SCO
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: Dec 2
Magnitude: 2.8
Spectrum/Star type: Blue, one of the bluest in the zodiac.
Distance in Light Years: 430
Diameter compared to Sun: 5+
Luminosity compared to Sun: 18,000 in UV
Date best observed: Jul 15
Additional information: Together with Sigma Sco they are known as Al Niyat, “Outworks of the Heart”, protecting the Heart of the Scorpion, Antares. The Boorang people of SE Australia say that Sigma & Tau are the Wives of Antares. Tau is an unusual slow rotating blue star that has a complex magnetic field and fast stellar wind. It is just a few million years old.

Name: 13Zeta OPH Han
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: Dec 2
Magnitude: 2.6
Spectrum/Star type: Rare “O” spectrum, extreme blue, very hot.
Distance in Light Years: 460
Diameter compared to Sun: 8
Luminosity compared to Sun: 68,000 in UV
Date best observed: Jul 15
Additional information: An ancient Chinese feudal state. This star is outside of the zodiac. It is a runaway star expelled when its companion exploded! It does not look blue because it is reddened by dust which also dims it more than a full magnitude. 13 Zeta rotates rapidly, has a strong magnetic field and emits X-Rays! It is a massive star, and short-lived. It will supernova within 4 million years.

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