Chi

Variable star

Its story

Chi Ophiuchi is a variable Be star, a blue giant spinning so fast that it sheds matter from its equator into a glowing gas disc. What makes it remarkable is its setting: it lies wrapped in the reflection nebula IC 4592, where its light bounces off cosmic dust grains and paints the soft blue silhouette of the Blue Horsehead, one of the most delicate portraits in the Ophiuchus sky.

Constellation: Ophiuchus
Apparent magnitude: 4.22
Distance: 525.3 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 246.756° · Dec -18.456°
Catalogue: HIP 80569 · HD 148184

Take your star to the gift that suits you best.

Choose a tier

Symbolic commemorative gift — no ownership, no IAU recognition.