Zeta Capricorni

Zeta Capricorni, (ζ Cap, ζ Capricorni), is a fourth-magnitude star in the constellation Capricornus. ζ Capricorni is a binary star, with the primary component ζ Capricorni A being a yellow G-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +3.77. It is considered one of the prototypical examples of a Barium star, properties of which include overabundances of carbon molecules (such as C₂) and s-process elements. Zeta Capricorni has an overabundance of the s-process element praseodymium.

Its companion, ζ Capricorni B is a white dwarf.

The ζ Capricorni binary system is approximately 398 light years from Earth.

Chinese Name

In Chinese, 十二國 (Shíer Guó), meaning Twelve States, refers to an asterism which represents twelve ancient states in the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, consisting of ζ Capricorni, φ Capricorni, ι Capricorni, 38 Capricorni, 35 Capricorni, 36 Capricorni, χ Capricorni, θ Capricorni, 30 Capricorni, 33 Capricorni, 19 Capricorni, 26 Capricorni, 27 Capricorni, 20 Capricorni, η Capricorni and 21 Capricorni.^[2] Consequently, ζ Capricorni itself represents the state of Yan (燕).,^[3] together with ν Ophiuchi in Left Wall of Heavenly Market Enclosure (asterism).^[4]

References

• "HD 204075 -- Star in double system". SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Retrieved 2007-04-01. 
• Jim Kaler: Zeta Capricorni