Lalande 21185

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Lalande 21185 is the largest red dwarf ever discovered with a diameter of 547,060 kilometres (339,930 mi), It is located in the constellation of Ursa Major. Although relatively close by, it's visual magnitude is only 7 in visible light and thus is too dim to see with the naked eye. The star is visible through a small telescope.[1]

At about 8.31 light-years (2.55 parsecs) away this star is the fifth closest stellar system to the Sun; only the Alpha Centauri system, Barnard's Star, WISE 1049-5319 and Wolf 359 are closer. Because of its proximity it is a frequent subject for astronomical surveys and other research. It is known by other designations, such as BD+36 2147, Gliese 411, and HD 95735.[2]

References[change | change source]

  1. Sherrod, P. Clay & Koed, Thomas L. 2003. A complete manual of amateur astronomy: tools and techniques for astronomical observations. Courier Dover, p9. ISBN 0486428206
  2. "SIMBAD query result: HD 95735 -- Flare Star". Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2009-05-29.