Star profile

Sigma Coronae Borealis

Variable star

3D likeness based on its real data · class F · ~6,500 K

What is Sigma Coronae Borealis

σ Coronae Borealis is a relatively close neighbour, just 69 light-years away, long known as a multiple system whose principal star is an active variable bearing spots and magnetic flares. Its golden light —F type, slightly hotter than the Sun— belongs to the diadem of the Northern Crown, that arc of stars which myth identified with Ariadne's garland.

Where it is and when to see it

Sigma Coronae Borealis lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is May, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 72° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 83° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 22° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 56° S.

It ranks no. 15 in brightness among the 26 stars of Corona Borealis in our catalogue. To find it, start from Alphecca, the brightest: it lies about 11° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 69 years ago.

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Astronomical data for Sigma Coronae Borealis

Constellation: Corona Borealis
Apparent magnitude: 5.23
Distance: 68.8 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 243.670° · Dec 33.859°
Catalogue: HIP 79607 · HD 146361

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Other stars in Corona Borealis

Corona Borealis has 26 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 26 stars in Corona Borealis