Beta Capricorni
| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Capricornus |
| Right ascension | 20h 21m 0.7s |
| Declination | 14° 46′ 53″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +3.05/+6.09 |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | K0II+B8V/A0III |
| U−B color index | 0.28/−0.11 |
| B−V color index | 0.79/−0.02 |
| Variable type | none |
| Astrometry | |
| Radial velocity (Rv) | −19/−18 km/s |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: 48.42/42.64 mas/yr Dec.: 14.00/0.37 mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 8.3966±0.6348 mas |
| Distance | 390 ± 30 ly (119 ± 9 pc) |
| Absolute magnitude (MV) | −2.03/+1.03 |
| Other designations | |
| Dabih, Dabikh, Dikhabda, 9 Capricorni, FK5 762, WDS J20210-1447AB | |
| β1 Cap: BD−15°5629, HD 193495, HIP 100345, HR 7776, WDS J20210-1447A | |
| β2 Cap: BD−15°5626, HD 193452, HIP 100325, HR 7775, WDS J20210-1447B | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | β Cap |
| β1 Cap | |
| β2 Cap | |
Beta Capricorni (β Capricorni, abbreviated Beta Cap, β Cap) is a multiple star system in the constellation of Capricornus and located 328 light-years from the Sun. Because it is near the ecliptic, Beta Capricorni can be occulted by the Moon, and also (rarely) by planets.
The system is believed to consist of five stars. With binoculars or a small telescope, Beta Capricorni can be resolved into a binary pair. The brighter of the two is designated Beta1 Capricorni or Beta Capricorni A; the dimmer, Beta2 Capricorni or Beta Capricorni B. Both are themselves made up of multiple stars. Beta1 Capricorni has three components; a single star designated Beta Capricorni Aa (formally named Dabih /ˈdeɪbiː/, the traditional name of the system) and a binary pair, Beta Capricorni Ab (whose two components are designated Beta Capricorni Ab1 and Ab2). Beta2 Capricorni is also a binary pair, with components designated Beta Capricorni Ba and Bb.
Two other nearby stars were discovered by John Herschel. Sometimes referred to as Beta Capricorni D and E, it is unclear whether they are simply optical doubles or part of the Beta Capricorni system.