What is Albireo a?

Albireo A’s binary star system has an orbital period of 121.6 years. The brighter star is responsible for the gold color you see through a telescope; it’s a red supergiant star, about 5 times the mass of the sun. It outshines its fainter companion, a hot main sequence star that’s 2.7 times the sun’s mass.

Is Albireo a double star?

Albireo / ælˈbɪrioʊ / is a double star designated Beta Cygni ( β Cygni, abbreviated Beta Cyg, β Cyg ). The International Astronomical Union uses the name "Albireo" specifically for the brightest star in the system.

What is Albireo in the constellation Cygnus the Swan?

Albireo, also known as Beta Cygni, is the second-brightest star in the constellation Cygnus the Swan. At first glance, it doesn’t particularly stand out. But viewing this star through a small telescope can take your breath away. It resolves into a striking double, with one component a lovely gold star and the other a dimmer blue close by.

How far is Albireo from Earth?

Albireo lies at an approximate distance of 415 light years from Earth. It is one of the best-known contrasting double stars in the sky and a popular target for amateur astronomers. Albireo appears as a single star to the unaided eye and is resolved into a visual binary star system in a small telescope.